Container shipment is the most popular method of cargo transportation for long distances. Today it is transported about 600 mln TEU (20-feet equivalent unit) annually in the world and this number increases every 8–9 years. Thereby the containerization of general cargoes (i.e. in packaging) has almost reached 100 %. A large number of countries act according to the strategy of an ubiquitous assistance in container shipping; it is most relevant in Russia which generally lags behind the international level but rapidly increases container turnover and infrastructure.

PORT ST. PETERSBURG

The prime example of this process is the Big port St. Petersburg where in 2011 there was loaded over 22 mln tons of container cargos which is 56 % of all the Russian range. Experts predict that by 2030 there will be more than three times growth of container transshipments. This will be possible due to a regular commissioning of new container terminals and expansion of the existing ones.

WHY CONTAINER SHIPMENT IS SO ATTRACTIVE?

First of all, the container itself is beyond competition. This is a real safe for your cargo. Its solid construction provides protection against damages of the most fragile content and its full tightness gives a possibility to set the required temperature mode and not to be afraid of an outdoor storage. The container is locked, sealed and opened only in the presence of clients or their authorized representatives.

ADVANTAGES OF CONTAINERS

Another important advantage of the container is a standard adherence. The logistics infrastructure all over the world is based on its structure, size and weight: container carriers, railway trucks, terminals, warehouses, loaders, cranes, spreaders, etc. That is why repacking is not required when changing a transport carrier (for example, from sea to land): only the container is reloaded. Due to such a flexibility container shipment has the lowest cost compared to other types of cargo transportation and a good delivery speed.

Large capacity of modern ships (can take more than 10,000 TEU) and relative cheapness of shipment makes containers an ideal variant for transportation of large loads, such as import of equipment and raw materials.

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE SCHEME

An important advantage is the proven scheme of customs clearance and in-port services for all types and volumes of container cargos. Another important factor on a world-wide scale is an ecologic aspect of container shipping because it is the safest type of shipment from the environmental point of view.

All of this confirms a high reliability, efficiency and convenience of container shipment which steady development is provided by both public and private programs and by the global progress of cargo shipment.