# Everything You Need to Know About Shipping Containers

> Ever wanted to know absolutely everything there is to know about the humble shipping container? You're in luck - as this blog reveals all!

_Published 2025-02-20 · By Gavin Hirst · Canonical: https://blog.martide.com/all-about-shipping-containers/_

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Shipping containers are the backbone of global trade, enabling efficient transportation of goods across vast distances. They account for **95% of all cargo** **transported by ocean** and play a crucial role in international commerce.

But what makes them so essential? Let's break down their history, types, uses, and how they revolutionized global shipping.

## The History of Shipping Containers

The modern shipping container was pioneered by **Malcolm McLean** in 1956. As a trucking company owner, he sought a more efficient way to transport goods between trucks and ships without unloading cargo. His innovation reduced loading costs from **$5.86 per ton to just $0.16 per ton** (in 1956 prices), drastically improving efficiency.

### Key Milestones:

* **1956**: McLean introduced the first standardized steel shipping container.
* **April 26, 1956**: The "Ideal X" became the first freighter to carry McLean's containers from **Newark to Houston**.
* **1957**: The "Maxton" was the first ship specifically built for container transport.
* **1960s**: The **ISO (International Organization for Standardization)** established global size standards: 10, 20, 30, and 40 feet in length, with a width of 8 feet and a height of 8 feet 6 inches.

These advancements laid the foundation for the modern intermodal transportation system, allowing seamless movement of containers via **ship, rail, and truck** without repacking.

![An infographic showing the evolution of shipping containers ](https://imagedelivery.net/MN7lylkJmHINZhrMCwblyA/f5598cea-37e1-41cd-d6aa-3608b1ae8900)

### Types of Shipping Containers

Different shipments require different containers. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

| **Container Type**        | **Description**                                                                 | **Best Used For**                 |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| **Dry Storage**           | The most common container, available in **10ft**, **20ft**, and **40ft** sizes. | General dry goods                 |
| **Flat Rack**             | Collapsible sides for oversized cargo.                                          | Vehicles, machinery, boats        |
| **Open-Top**              | Roofless container for taller cargo.                                            | Logs, construction materials      |
| **Refrigerated (Reefer)** | Temperature-controlled container                                                | Perishable goods (food, medicine) |
| **Open-Side**             | Side doors allow wider loading                                                  | Large or irregularly shaped items |

### Container Shipment Methods

When shipping goods, two primary methods determine how cargo is packed:

#### 1. Full Container Load (FCL)

* Used when **one recipient** receives all goods.
* Maximizes container space, reducing per-unit costs.
* Best for businesses with **large shipments**.

#### 2. Less than Container Load (LCL)

* Multiple shipments share one container.
* Ideal for **smaller businesses** that don't require a full container.
* Cargo is consolidated at a **Container Freight Station (CFS)** before being shipped.

![a container terminal seen from above](https://imagedelivery.net/MN7lylkJmHINZhrMCwblyA/6f04cef0-469b-4f13-d1d4-2dc10e353d00)

### Shipping, Storage, and Conex: What's the Difference?

| **Term**               | **Definition**                                                           |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Shipping Container** | Used for **transporting goods** internationally.                         |
| **Storage Container**  | Repurposed for **long-term storage** on land.                            |
| **Conex Box**          | A military term from the 1950s for a **standardized modular container**. |

Many containers start as shipping containers before being converted into storage units or other applications like modular homes and pop-up shops.

**Read more**: [What Are Shipping Alliances in the Maritime Industry?](https://blog.martide.com/what-are-shipping-alliances-in-maritime-industry/)

### The Impact of Shipping Containers on Global Trade

* **Efficiency**: Reduced loading/unloading times and costs.
* **Security**: Goods remain sealed throughout transit.
* **Scalability**: Standard sizes allow for easy stacking and transportation.
* **Sustainability**: Containers can be repurposed for alternative uses, reducing waste.

Without containerization, modern global trade as we know it wouldn't exist. Today, millions of shipping containers move across the world daily, keeping supply chains running smoothly.

![a view from a container ship's bridge](https://imagedelivery.net/MN7lylkJmHINZhrMCwblyA/514df236-767e-4ba8-8cad-0284ef865700)

### Final Thoughts

Thanks to **Malcolm McLean**, containerization has become the most **efficient**, **cost-effective**, and **secure** method of transporting goods worldwide. The industry not only supports global trade but also provides millions of jobs in the logistics and maritime sectors.

Whether you're a **shipping professional** or just curious about global logistics, understanding shipping containers is key to grasping how our modern economy functions.

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[Create a resume](https://www.martide.com/en/seafarer-resumes), [browse our vacancies](https://www.martide.com/en/jobs), and [apply via the mobile app](https://www.martide.com/en/mobile-app) today.

*This blog post was originally published on February 6th 2023 and rewritten on February 20th 2025.*