Containerization is a mode of transport that uses intermodal containers to transport goods. The mode of transport uses standardized containers to suit consumer’s needs. Modern shipping of containers is also the intermodal means of transportation. The transport mode is also an efficient one when it comes to goods delivery. Containerization can be used either on land, sea and also air to transport goods mostly using trucks, trains, and ship.
The containers revolution has led to tremendous positive changes in foreign and domestic trade (Taaffe.gauther & O’Kelly. 1996). First, it is flexible in terms of a wide variety of goods such as cars, manufactured commodities as well as perishable goods transported in refrigerators. Secondly, the cost of transportation is low owing to standardization. Standardization is a unique way of transporting commodities that can be used in most parts of the world. Thirdly, warehousing is inexpensive in terms of packaging while one can convert the container into a warehouse on its own. Fourthly, in terms of security, containers are a safe mode of transportation since only the receiver can open the package.
As much as there are some advantages to this mode of tr5ansportion, there are also some drawbacks involved. For instance, containers carry a lot of goods and in the case of theft or losses, there is a great disadvantage to the buyer and the seller. Second, containers occupy a lot of space whether full or empty. Third, the arrangement of containers may incur additional costs and extra time. Containers also need proper packaging that results to increased cost. Good packaging is vital to the safe and legal shipment of goods (Neipert, 2000). Lastly, one of the biggest drawbacks which is also against a country’s law is that the same containers can be used in the transportation of illegal goods such as drugs and also weapons.
Having celebrated the container shipping anniversary in 2006, the future developments of containerization highly depend on interaction between the transport chains and the integrated supply chain. The production and distribution will also matter for more efficiency. With the continued improving technology, containerization will be at greater improvement since it shall handle large freights and also be able to transport them efficiently. Besides, the ongoing expansion of world population, and the further economic development of almost every country maintain increased cargo flow al around the world (konings, Priemus & Nijkamp, 2008)
- Konings, J. W., Priemus, H., &Nijkamp, P. (2008). The future of intermodal freight transport: Operations, design and policy. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar.
- Neipert, D. M. (2000). A tour of international trade. Upper Saddler River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
- Taaffe, E. J., Gauthier, H. L., & O’Kelly, M. E. (1996). Geography of transportation. Englewood Cliffs, N.J: Prentice-Hall.
