Container haulage and storage play a vital role in the smooth functioning of trade and logistics in the UK, Europe and around the world. For decades, containers have been the preferred choice for business in all industries transporting goods in bulk and storing them safely. 

As you look around the room or space you are in, there’s a good chance that many of the products or goods you see are likely to have been transported via a shipping container. In some cases, a container haulage journey may have only been a short distance, however, oftentimes, goods are transported many miles, and in some cases across the world – it is estimated that as much as 90 percent of goods around the world are delivered by sea, and it can be argued that such a journey would be impossible without shipping containers.

Let’s delve into the history of container haulage and the key benefits of container storage and transport.

The history of container haulage

It can be argued that container haulage as we know it today dates back to 1956 when an American entrepreneur named Malcolm McLean realised that standardising the sizes of containers being used to transport goods around the world by trains and ships could make for more efficient transportation, with containers moving more seamlessly from one form of transport to another. By introducing standard container sizes throughout the world, this ensured that goods could simply remain in the same container from the start of the journey to the end, therefore reducing labour costs and helping to prevent damage.

Whilst the concept of standardised containers was established in the last century, containerisation dates much further back for the storage and movement of goods and products. For example, containers were widely used in the coal mining regions of the UK as far back as the 18th century. By the end of World War II, containerisation had gained considerable traction, leading to Malcolm McClean’s concept of standardised container sizes.

Streamlining Global Trade

In the decades following standard containerisation throughout the world, road haulage has been key to the development of container transport and container lifting technology has developed considerably, allowing for the safe and efficient transfer of containers on and off lorry trailers, onto freight ships, and for safe stacking for container storage.

Modern container haulage and storage offer several key advantages for businesses around the world. Some of the most important benefits include:

1. Versatility: Container haulage allows businesses to transport a wide range of goods, including heavy and oversized items. With containers available in a range of standard sizes throughout the world, it’s easy to load and unload goods efficiently, even when containers reach a considerable weight.
2. Enhanced Safety: Containers are designed to be sturdy and secure, providing protection for goods during transportation. They are built to withstand different weather conditions and potential hazards, minimising the risk of damage or loss during transport, storage or lifting.
3. Cost Efficiency: Container haulage often proves to be a cost-effective solution for businesses. The use of containers allows for efficient stacking and transportation, maximising the use of available space and reducing the need for multiple trips.
4. Accessibility: Containers can be easily transported by various modes of transportation, such as lorries, trains, and ships. This helps provide opportunities for businesses to take advantage of new opportunities in both domestic and international markets. With standardised containers, container haulage specialists can transfer goods from one mode of transport to another safely and with ease.
5. Flexibility in Route Planning: Container haulage offers businesses flexibility in choosing the most optimal routes for transportation. In addition to choosing the most efficient modes of transport, companies can select the most efficient and cost-effective paths, considering factors like distance, infrastructure, and congestion.
6. Reduced Risk of Damage: Containers are designed to be secure and heavy duty, providing added protection to goods during transportation, minimising the risk of any damage from external conditions. The secure and sealed nature of containers prevents unauthorised access and reduces the likelihood of theft en route.

Overall, container haulage and storage provide businesses with a reliable and efficient solution for transporting goods. The versatility, enhanced safety, cost efficiency, accessibility, flexibility in route planning, and reduced risk of damage make it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes to move their goods around the UK and further afield, taking on new opportunities and developing an excellent reputation.

UK container haulage and container storage

If you are searching for container transport specialists with container storage facilities around the UK, then contact Hayward Transport. With depots in the West Midlands, the North West and Yorkshire, Hayward’s are well positioned to provide container haulage and storage services for all your needs.