To the majority of people around the world, the shipping industry does not generate much interest. For billions of individuals, the transportation of goods is much like electricity, running water, or the quality of food purchased at the local market. As long as it works today and continues to work tomorrow, shipping doesn’t capture the attention of the public.
This is certainly nothing to be alarmed about. It isn’t necessary for an individual outside the industry to concern themselves with the details. However, these same people will be quite surprised to learn how much of their everyday lives depends on shipping. In what has become a truly global economy, efficiency and accuracy are essential.
Security and Safety
Consider the fact that thousands of products travel around the planet by sea and by air. Many of those items are vital to the health and well-being of individuals living thousands of miles from the manufacturing source or growing location. Statistics show that a very small percentage of the containers used to protect products in transit are inspected for safety and security, due to the massive number of items being loaded and unloaded.
For about 60 years, companies have used the storage part of tractor-trailer rigs on both the open road and on a ship, railroad car, or airplane. The trailer is disconnected, lifted by crane, and placed on the next mode of transportation. Shipping companies have significantly reduced the time it takes to move products, and they have eliminated much of the cost as well. For example, goods are no longer moved from one “box” to another or from the road vehicle to the ship’s hold.
This major change in the way goods are handled has spawned an associated industry, one that exists to manufacture and sell the units that carry goods in bulk. Of course, it’s important to make sure the units are well-made and reliable, to protect shipments from theft and from damage in handling. Within the shipping industry, this change has even been called a “revolution.”
Time
Handling cargo in mass has cut shipping time from 50 days to 17 days (Hong Kong to New York), according to industry figures. Most of the goods travelling on the world’s oceans and railways are packed in closed metal boxes of either 20 feet in length or 40 feet in length. Companies have found success offering these units in both new and used condition, helping the shipping industry grow to the point that it sends hundreds of millions of these boxes around the world each year. They have expanded the size options to include a range from 8 feet to 40 feet in length.
If you are in need of this special shipping equipment, you may want to start by visiting the website of one of the leading suppliers based in New Zealand. Generally, you may select from one of three grades: Grade A units have made one trip from China to a major NZ port, while Grade B and Grade C units have been used a bit more but are guaranteed to be wind resistant and watertight. All units are inspected before leaving one of the depots. Make the smart choice for your shipping needs.
