Container systems

Container systems can be viewed as a specialized mode of freight transport, although the con­tainer is now a fundamental feature of all the major national and international transport modes - road, rail, sea and air. Containerization makes possible the development of what is known as the ‘intermodal’ system of freight transport, enabling the uncomplicated movement of goods in bulk from one transport mode to another. (See the different modal chapters for more details.)

The main attributes of containers and container systems are as follows:

• They enable a number of small packages to be consolidated into large single unit loads.

• There is a reduction in the handling of goods, as they are distributed from their point of origin to their point of destination.

• There is a reduction in individual packaging requirements, depending on the load within the container.

• There is a reduction in damage to products caused by other cargo. Insurance charges are lower due to the reduced damage potential. Handling costs at the docks and at other modal interfaces are reduced.

• There is a quicker turnaround for all the types of transport used. Port utilization also improves.

• The all-round delivery time is speedier, and so raises service levels.

• Documentation is simpler.

• The concept of ‘through transit’ becomes feasible, and allows for a truly integrated transport system to be developed.

• In the early days of containerization, the systems that were developed tended not to be well integrated across the different transport modes. This has considerably improved in recent years.

• There is a need for special facilities and handling equipment, and these are very costly. Thus, there are a limited number of transfer points available.

• The initial cost of the containers themselves is very high.

• The return of empty containers can often be an expensive problem. Trade is seldom evenly balanced, so return loads may not be available.

• Containers may leak, thereby causing damage due to rain or sea water.

• Loads may be affected by their position of stow, e.g. above or below deck.