Kontejnere

Kontejnere, often referred to as containers in English, are standardized, reusable boxes used for the intermodal transport of goods. They are designed to be transported by various means including ships, trains, and trucks without the need for unloading and reloading the contents during transit. This standardization has revolutionized global logistics, enabling faster and more efficient movement of cargo.

The most common type is the twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), a container with a length of 20 feet and an approximate volume of 33.2 cubic meters. Other standard sizes include forty-foot containers, which are twice the length of TEUs. These containers are typically made of steel and are built to withstand harsh environmental conditions and the stresses of transportation. They come in various configurations, such as dry cargo containers, refrigerated containers (reefers), and open-top containers, to accommodate different types of goods.

The adoption of containers began in the mid-20th century, significantly reducing shipping costs and transit times. Before containerization, cargo was loaded and unloaded individually, a process that was labor-intensive and prone to damage and theft. The introduction of standardized containers streamlined the entire supply chain, from manufacturing to delivery. Today, containers are an integral part of international trade, facilitating the global movement of almost all manufactured goods.