The revolutionary impact of containerization on international transportation

China is a global powerhouse in container transportation, as it is responsible for as much as 97% of the global container trade. In addition, more than 96% of all shipping containers produced in the world come from their factories.

From the original concepts to the global revolution – the history of container transportation

The global transformation of the face of transportation began with American entrepreneur Malcolm McLean, who in 1937, while standing in line to load a truckload of goods onto a ship, came up with an idea that in his eyes would offer a chance to significantly optimize work across the logistics and shipping industry. The idea, however, took years to develop, as it wasn’t until 1956 that the first successful experiment was conducted, which involved shipping containers of goods by sea from the port of Newark, New Jersey, to the port of Houston, Texas. Seeing what a success the experiment was, McLean followed suit and began container shipments on a wider scale. He soon became a tycoon in the U.S. market, and his invention turned out to be a real sensation.

Container transport time from China – how long does a container from China to Poland take?

Container transport from China to Poland is an extremely important element in the international supply chain. The process of shipping containers often involves most branches of freight, which determine the travel time and how the goods are moved through the various stages of transportation.

The two main methods of transporting containers from China to Poland are sea freight and rail freight. Sea freight is the most commonly used option that provides transportation of containers across the ocean, but travel time can vary depending on several factors. Normally, a sea container going from a port in China to the Polish port of Gdansk can take between 25 and 40 days. By contrast, rail transportation, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, reduces travel time to about 12-14 days. This is a much faster option than sea transport, although more expensive.

The container shipping process involves several steps to ensure that goods are transported efficiently and safely:

• Gathering and packing the goods – The process begins with gathering the goods at the warehouse. Everything is carefully packed according to standards and protected from damage during transport, and then loaded into containers.
• Container loading – After the goods are properly packed, the container is loaded. They are placed in a warehouse or special loading area, where they are properly labeled and prepared for transport.
• Transport to port – The next step is to transport the container to the appropriate port at the place of shipment. This can be by road, rail or a combination of both, depending on the location and preferred method of transportation.
• Clearance and loading process – At the port, the container undergoes a clearance process, checking documents, customs fees and other export formalities. It is then loaded onto a ship or train, according to the chosen route and mode of transportation.
• Transport by sea, rail or road – The container is transported by the chosen mode of transport according to the route. Sea transport involves a journey across the ocean to the destination port, while rail or road transport takes the container to its destination by road.
• Unloading and clearance at the destination port – Once the container arrives at the destination port, the container is unloaded and the clearance process is repeated, with document verification, customs fees and other import-related procedures.
• Delivery to destination – The container is then already transported to its destination in the destination country, using the next stage of transportation (such as rail or road), where the goods are unpacked and delivered to the customer or warehouse.

Construction Shapes Global Trade – about container sizes and types

As a result of the container shipping boom, in 1968 the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) established the definition of a container, and developed the division and basic dimensional classification that is still used today. The breakdown of the most common types of containers is as follows:

• Standard container – is used to carry all kinds of cargo that do not require special conditions during transport. They can be used to carry both palletized cargo and general cargo in cartons or bags. For the transportation of tall cargo, the High Cube (HC) elevated container is recommended. Real Logistics offers both universal and HC containers in both 20- and 40-foot dimensions.
• Refrigerated container – created for the transportation of cargo that requires a constant transport temperature, i.e. food, medicines. The cooling unit maintains a constant temperature inside the container, which can reach from -25oC to + 25oC.
• Bulk cargo container – designed to carry bulk cargo such as grain, fertilizer, coal or pellets (20’HC BULK). Real Logistics has now invested in expanding its offerings with this type of container.
• Open top container with an open roof – thanks to the open roof in the form of a tarpaulin, open top containers are ideal for transporting oversized cargo (such as machinery or process lines) or cargo that is difficult to load through the door.
• Flatrack container – designed to transport oversized cargo or those whose loading into a traditional container is significantly difficult. It has no roof and side walls, and the front walls can be folded freely.
• Tank container – ideal for transporting liquids, gases and liquid food cargo. Most commonly transported in this form are fuels and oils.

Containers not only have different dimensions, but also colors. Real Logistics offers containers in the following color variants:

• RAL7016 – anthracite, gray
• RAL5010 – blue
• RAL1015 – pudding, cream, light beige

When you undertake cooperation with Real Logistics, you can have control over every aspect of the cooperation. From ordering a specific type and dimension of container, to its color.

On the wave – interesting facts from the world of container shipping.

In addition to their standard use in shipping, containers have found use as modular homes, restaurants and even creative office spaces. Their versatility makes them not only symbols of logistics, but also innovative solutions in various areas of everyday life. Here are some highlights that will change the way you think about both containers and your perception of space and functionality.

• In Copenhagen, Denmark, there is a floating housing development made of containers. Building with such metal blocks is proving not only cheaper than traditional forms of construction, but also faster. The construction of a building from this non-standard construction material can be reduced to even a few days.
• In 2016, the Doki Gastrobar restaurant opened in Lodz on Piotrkowska Street in a structure created from shipping containers. The combination of four 40-foot containers created a place with as much as 120 square meters of usable space. The restaurant is still operating today and has seafood and fish on offer, which is definitely in keeping with the maritime roots of the restaurant’s application.
• In 2015, a “portable” and energy-efficient office building built from containers was built in Copenhagen’s Nordhaven district. Its construction took a record two days!
• Real Logistics sells containers not only to companies, but also to individuals. You don’t have to have a company to buy a container for a plot or to build a house. The transaction takes place fiscally, without the need to set up a business.Sea containers can serve us in the transport circuit for up to 20 years. The steel structure and anti-corrosion paint coating are responsible for this.According to seabox.pl, a large container ship can cover huge distances in a year, comparable to three-quarters of the distance from the earth to the moon.
• In 1992, a 20-foot container filled with toys fell into the ocean and drifted, arriving 10 months later on the coast of Alaska. Let’s also not forget about the above-mentioned influence of China on the production and trade of containers. China’s success in this field was quite predictable, considering how great a production powerhouse it is. Sea transport gives them the best chance for global sales of goods produced by numerous factories located in their country.

How to order a container from China? – sale and rental of sea containers

To order a shipping container from China, you need to go through several steps. The procedure may vary depending on your needs, container type and supplier, but the general ordering process is as follows:

Step 1: Determining the requirements

Container Type: Select the appropriate container type (e.g. standard, refrigerated, open, closed, cargo, etc.).

Size: Select your preferred container size (commonly 20 feet, 40 feet).

Quantity: Specify the number of containers needed.

Step 2: Finding a supplier

Supplier search: Find companies that sell or rent shipping containers. The Real Logistics Group offers 20’DV, 20’HC, 40’HC containers and, on special order, 45’HC elevated containers. 20’HC BULK containers will also be available soon.

Communication with suppliers: Contact several suppliers, ask about offers, prices, delivery terms, deadlines and any additional information you need.

Step 3: Negotiation and contract

Price negotiation: Compare offers from different suppliers and negotiate price terms and other details.

Contract and terms: Make sure all terms are clear and written down in the contract. Also make sure you understand the terms of delivery, insurance, payment and any additional fees.

Step 4: Order and payment

Placing an order: After selecting the supplier and agreeing on the terms, place the order.

Payment: Make payment as agreed in the contract.

Step 5: Delivery and monitoring

Delivery: Check the progress of your order and container delivery. Make sure everything is going according to plan.

Receiving containers: Once delivered, check their condition, type and size to ensure they match your order.

Step 6: Insurance and customs

Insurance: Make sure your containers are insured during transit.

Customs Procedures: Handle the necessary customs and import procedures so that the containers can be collected from the port.

Step 7: Using containers

Rent or use: Start using containers for their intended purpose – for transport, storage of goods, etc.

Please remember that the process of importing containers from China can be complicated, so it is worth using the services of professionals in the field of international transport and logistics. Real Logistics offers comprehensive services in the rental and sale of containers.

Real Logistics – specialists in container transport

Real Logistics is a leading specialist not only in the sale and rental of containers, but also in international transport in all forms of freight. The special experience gained on the Europe – China route guarantees potential clients that when they cooperate with us, they will find an important partner for their business. Real Logistics has offices not only in Poland, but also in Chengdu, China.

With the support of Real Logistics you can buy/rent containers and start importing from China today!