How the Use of Steel Containers is Impacting on the Freight Shipping Industry

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