13 Facts About Shipping Containers

While many are familiar with the basic functions of shipping containers, there are some facts about shipping containers that might still surprise you. Their adaptability and impact extend far beyond simple freight transport, influencing various aspects of modern living and logistics.

Shipping containers are more than just sturdy metal boxes; they’re essential for global trade, designed to carry goods across great distances. Made from steel and ranging in size from 10 to over 50 feet, these containers are commonly seen on trucks, trains, and ships. Their strong, uniform build also makes them popular for other uses like storage units, mobile offices, workshops, and even homes, offering efficient and cost-effective solutions for both transportation and storage.

A brief history of shipping containers

The shipping container has revolutionised the way goods are transported around the world. But where did this ingenious invention come from? The history of shipping containers dates back to the 18th century when wooden boxes were used to transport goods on ships. However, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the modern shipping container as we know it was invented. 

In 1956, American entrepreneur Malcolm McLean introduced the first standardised metal shipping container, which greatly improved efficiency and reduced costs in the shipping industry. Since then, shipping containers have become an essential part of global trade, with millions of them being transported by ships, trains, and trucks every day.

Evolution of shipping containers over the years

Since their introduction in 1956, shipping containers have changed a lot to meet the needs of the 21st century. Over the years, they have become stronger and lighter, with better security features and advanced tracking technology. These improvements have made shipping containers more durable, secure, and efficient, ensuring they remain essential for global trade.

In addition to standardisation, different types of shipping containers have evolved to meet various freight needs. Today, shipping containers accommodate all kinds of cargo, including perishable produce and dry goods. Some of these specialised containers include refrigerated units with systems to keep items like pharmaceuticals and food at the right temperature, and tunnel containers with doors on both ends for faster loading and unloading, ideal for shipments requiring frequent access.

Shipping container facts

Now that we’ve uncovered their history and common uses besides transporting cargo, let’s take a closer look at some intriguing facts about shipping containers.

1. There are 20 million containers on the move at any given time

At any given moment, approximately 20 million shipping containers are crisscrossing the globe, embarking on over 200 million journeys each year. These containers, each with their own unique story and destination, travel through oceans, ports, and highways, braving storms and sunlight, contributing to the dynamic exchange of goods in the global economy.

2. 97% of all shipping containers are made in China

China’s leading role in shipping container production comes from its advanced manufacturing capabilities and extensive industrial infrastructure. These factors allow Chinese manufacturers to produce containers efficiently and affordably, meeting global demand while maintaining competitive prices.

3. Shipping containers have a standard size

Standardisation in shipping container sizes is essential for efficient use in global trade and transportation networks. The most common sizes are 20 foot and 40 foot long units, with a standard width of 8 feet and height of 8 feet 6 inches. This uniformity allows containers to be easily stacked, and seamlessly transferred between different transport systems without the need for repacking. 

4. 90% of the world’s cargo is moved in shipping containers

Transporting cargo in shipping containers is the most cost-effective way to move goods globally. The combination of efficient use of space, lower transportation costs per unit of cargo, and reliable service makes shipping containers the most cost-effective choice for moving large quantities of goods across long distances in global trade. 

For example, a standard 40-foot container can hold a high volume of goods, equal to around 8,000 shoe boxes. Think about that the next time you bring home a new pair of shoes.

5. Hundreds of shipping containers are lost at sea each year

Although there has been a noticeable decline in shipping containers lost at sea over the last couple of years, an alarming amount of units still fall overboard each year. According to reports from the World Shipping Council, approximately 1,382 containers were reported lost at sea in 2023. This number decreased in their 2024 update, with about 1,138 containers reported lost. 

This decline reflects ongoing efforts within the shipping industry to enhance container securing protocols and improve vessel design to withstand harsh maritime conditions.

6. Shipping containers can float

Shipping containers, despite being metal and not particularly hydrodynamic, do not sink like rocks when they go overboard. They are filled with air and tightly sealed, which means it takes some time (though not too long) for water to penetrate and for them to potentially sink. Some containers might sink more quickly depending on their cargo, but it’s not guaranteed.

In fact, floating shipping containers pose a significant hazard at sea and can cause considerable damage if a vessel collides with them. These containers float beneath the surface of the sea, making them hard to spot by boats and ships, increasing the risk of accidents and maritime collisions.

7. Cargo ships can store quite a lot of containers

The largest ships in operation today have the astounding capacity to store up to 745 million bananas spread across nearly 15,000 containers. When it comes to handling such massive volumes, these vessels certainly don’t monkey around.

8. 50% of all shipping containers are owned by shipping companies

Owning containers allows shipping companies to maintain control over logistics, optimise fleet management, and ensure timely delivery of cargo. This ownership model also supports flexibility in adapting to fluctuating market demands and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

9. Container ships can travel long distances

A container ship can travel a great deal. In fact, one ship can cover roughly 900,000 miles (1.4 million kilometres) per year. To put this into perspective, that’s like three-quarters of a trip to the moon and back. 

10. There are tens of millions of containers in the world

Estimating the amount of shipping containers around the world is challenging due to their diverse uses and lifespans. It’s estimated that there are between 5 million to 170 million shipping containers worldwide, with around 65 million actively in service.

In fact, there are so many that companies often need to use AI to decode shipping containers.

11. Shipping containers are extremely durable

Shipping containers, made from durable corten steel, are built to last. At sea, they typically have a lifespan of 10-12 years due to harsh marine conditions. However, with proper maintenance, containers can endure on land for an additional 25 years, totalling 35-40 years of use. 

When repurposed for construction purposes, a shipping container’s lifespan can extend up to 50 years, highlighting their longevity and versatility beyond maritime transport.

12. Shipping containers can be repurposed for various uses

There are a lot of ways for a container to be used but a city in Mexico took this concept to a whole new level. This city, which is 48,000 square feet, is legitimately built from shipping containers! The appropriately named “Container City” uses containers for apartments, cafes, restaurants, art galleries and many more buildings that you could find in any other city.

13. There have been some unexpected journeys in shipping containers

In 2011, a Bangladeshi man called Din Islam fell asleep inside a container during a 12-hour shift and when he woke up, he discovered the container was actually aboard a ship! He spent 9 days with nothing to eat or drink while stuck in this container.

The bottom line

Shipping containers are more than just tools for transporting goods – they’re essential to global trade and logistics, influencing architecture and environmental practices alike. 

Introduced by Malcolm McLean in the mid-20th century, these standardised metal boxes have transformed shipping with their durability, adaptability, and advanced tracking technologies. Whether carrying bananas or serving as affordable housing solutions, shipping containers remain essential in modern commerce and daily life.

FAQs

What happens if a container falls off a ship?

If a container falls off a ship, immediate protocols involve alerting authorities and nearby vessels, as these containers pose navigation hazards and can release the cargo into the ocean, potentially causing environmental damage. 

Salvage operations may be initiated to recover the container, while shipping companies are liable for damages and may face investigations to determine the incident’s cause. Preventative measures in the industry focus on improving container-securing practices to minimise such occurrences and enhance maritime safety overall.

Are cargo ships safe in rough seas?

Cargo ships are generally designed to handle rough seas safely. They use advanced stabilisation technologies and sturdy construction to ensure stability during adverse weather. However, safety depends on factors like the ship’s size and design, weather severity, and crew adherence to safety protocols. 

Modern ships are equipped with navigation and weather forecasting systems to navigate challenging seas, but risks remain, requiring skilled seamanship and precautionary measures to manage effectively.

How do containers stay on ships?

Containers stay on ships through a combination of securing methods. They are typically stacked and locked into place using twist locks, which secure containers to each other and to the ship’s deck. 

Additionally, lashings and other securing devices further stabilise the containers during voyages, ensuring they remain in place even in rough seas. This thorough securing process is crucial for maintaining stability and safety onboard cargo ships, preventing containers from shifting or falling overboard during transit.

What happens to containers on a ship if the waves are high?

When waves are high, containers on a ship can move a lot. To keep them from shifting or falling overboard, ships use twist locks and lashings. These methods secure containers to the ship’s deck and to each other, reducing the risk of damage or loss in rough seas. Crews may also adjust speed and route to navigate safely through high waves, ensuring containers stay stable and the ship stays on course.

Will a shipping container make it through a nuclear attack?

A shipping container is not built to survive a nuclear attack. While sturdy for transporting goods, it isn’t designed to withstand the extreme forces and radiation from such an event. In a nuclear attack, like most regular structures, a shipping container’s integrity would likely be compromised.

Surprised? Probably, and we can bet your bottom dollar that you’ve learned something today. Shipping containers are being repurposed for so many reasons and there are lots of benefits to choosing a container as a storage or space solution for your home or business, but if you need further convincing, we’re only a phone call away!

If you would like a friendly, honest chat about how we can create your bespoke shipping container conversion, please call the Universal team today on 0161 775 3217 or feel free to email sales@universal-containers.com