The Birth of the Container

The concept of container transport was developed and realised by the American entrepreneur Malcolm McLean in the 1950s. McLean is widely regarded as the inventor of the modern container transport system. Prior to this, goods were usually transported in bulk, requiring a great deal of manpower and time to load and unload. McLean realised that this was inefficient and envisaged a standardised container that would simplify and speed up the process.In 1956, McLean put his idea into practice when his company converted a tanker so that it could carry 58 standardised containers. This led to the first successful containerised sea voyage. The experimental voyage, which took place from Newark, New Jersey, USA, to Houston, Texas, marked the beginning of the modern era of container shipping. McLean's innovation not only greatly improved transport efficiency, but also dramatically reduced transport costs and promoted the rapid development of global trade. His invention revolutionised logistics and the way goods are transported, and is therefore known as the ‘Father of the Container’.

The birth of the container on the global trade and logistics industry has had a far-reaching impact, its significance can be understood from the following aspects:

1. Improve transport efficiency: the container standardised the packaging and transport of goods, so that goods can be seamlessly converted between different modes of transport (such as sea, rail, road). This greatly simplifies the loading and unloading process, reducing transport time and labour costs.

2. Reduced transport costs: Container transport reduces breakage and loss of goods, and due to improved loading and unloading efficiencies, port dwell times are shortened and ships can turn around more quickly. These factors significantly reduce overall transport costs.

3. Promoting globalisation: The convenience and efficiency of containerised transport has facilitated the development of global trade, making it easier for companies to conduct business across borders. The expansion of international markets promotes the integration of the global economy and the optimal allocation of resources.

4. Improved cargo security: Containers provide a closed and standardised environment, effectively preventing cargo from being stolen, damaged or contaminated during transport. At the same time, the standardised management of containers also facilitates the tracking and management of goods.

5. Promote the modernisation of port and logistics infrastructure: in order to adapt to the development of container transport, ports around the world have been modernised and introduced automated loading and unloading equipment and information management systems. This not only enhances the handling capacity of ports, but also promotes the modernisation of the entire logistics industry chain.

6. Promote the optimisation of supply chain management: the popularity of container transport allows enterprises to control inventory and transport time more accurately and optimise supply chain management. This provides enterprises with higher flexibility and responsiveness, thus improving market competitiveness.

Overall, the birth of the container has revolutionised the traditional mode of transporting goods, not only improving transport efficiency and safety, but also laying a solid foundation for the prosperity of global trade and the development of the logistics industry. Manufacturing a standard container requires a series of delicate and strict steps, including design, material preparation, processing, assembly and quality inspection.

Below, take NOVA container as an example to introduce to you the metamorphosis of a container.

1. Design and specification determination: The dimensions, materials and design specifications of a container are determined in accordance with international standards (e.g. ISO standards). These standards ensure that containers are globally compatible and interchangeable. The NOVA standard container is 40 feet (12.03 metres).

2. Material Preparation: The main material for the container is weather-resistant steel (Corten steel), which has high strength and corrosion resistance, and is durable while ensuring the safety of the goods in transit. Also need to prepare steel plate, corner pieces, door locks, seals, flooring materials (usually treated wood or composite materials) and so on.

3. Steel plate cutting and forming: A large cutting machine is used to cut the steel plate into the required size and shape. The cut steel plates are pressed and bent into shape to form the side walls, top and bottom plates of the container.

4. Welding and assembly: the cut and shaped steel plates are assembled into the frame structure of the container through welding. Welding includes the connection of corner pieces, side walls, top and bottom plates to ensure the strength and stability of the structure. Finally, the door of the container is installed and ensured to open, close and seal properly.

5. Surface treatment and anti-corrosion treatment: After welding is completed, the container is sandblasted to remove oxides and impurities on the surface. Anti-corrosion treatment and painting are carried out, usually using high weather-resistant paints to enhance the container's anti-rust and weather-resistant properties.

6. Installation of flooring and other accessories: Installation of treated wood or composite flooring on the bottom of the container to ensure that the floor can withstand heavy loads and is moisture and corrosion resistant. Installation of sealing strips, vents and other accessories to ensure the sealing and ventilation of the container.

7. Quality Inspection and Testing: After the manufacturing is completed, the containers are subject to strict quality inspection to ensure that they meet international standards and customer requirements. Waterproof test, strength test and sealing test are carried out to ensure that the containers will not leak, deform or fail to seal during use.

8. Marking and numbering: Spray or paste marking and numbering on the outside of the container, including ownership marking, specification parameters, inspection marking, etc., so as to facilitate transport and management.

9. delivery and use: after quality inspection and testing of qualified containers, ready for delivery and use. They are widely used in logistics, shipping and other industries for transporting and storing various goods.

Each NOVA container is manufactured through rigorous steps to ensure standardisation, durability and versatility to meet global transport and storage needs. We have 8,000 TEU owned containers and 20,000 TEU operated containers around the world. in May, NOVA's new containers officially came off the production line, providing you with stronger capacity guarantee and accepting bookings at preferential prices! Container is not only a carrier for transporting goods, but also a bridge connecting the world, making trade more efficient and convenient. NOVA Logistic hopes to provide customers with a full range of supply chain solutions through advanced technology and better service, linking more possibilities with logistics.