The use of steel containers by the freight shipping industry is having a significant affect on transportation costs and practices. Steel containers are fast becoming the preferred option for shipments of cargo around the world. As they can be stacked easily they have helped to reduce freight shipping costs. Furthermore the products that they contain are more secure because they are sealed prior to being shipped and are only opened once they have arrived at their destination. These containers are being used to ship a variety of different goods across the globe. From food products to personal care items and machinery, the freight shipping industry is increasingly using steel containers to transport freight. The ability to move large volumes of freight easily and cheaply is vitally important for countries like South Africa that are experiencing huge growth in freight traffic. Indeed, in the case of South Africa, traffic has exceeded the 20 year growth forecasts 14 years early! The use of steel containers by freight shippers grew by a staggering 54% in South Africa between 1998 and 2005. It is estimated that the use of steel containers for freight shipping will continue to increase by around 15% each year between 2010 and 2015 in South Africa. The reliance on steel containers by other freight shipping nations is also set to increase. Analysts predict that the global use of steel containers will increase by 6% year on year between 2015 and 2015. The reason for the heavy reliance on steel containers for freight transport seems to be attributable to a number of factors. For instance the use of steel containers makes the shipment of products cheaper and easier. Whilst the emergence of the European Union as an important trading block has accelerated international trade. The use of containers has been critical to the growth of global trade and the freight shipping industry. It is likely to continue to be important for many more years to come. |
