Shipping containers are the unsung heroes of global trade, and at Containerlift, we see first-hand how they keep businesses connected.
These standardised steel boxes, typically 6 or 12 metres long, carry everything from electronics to fresh produce across continents. But how do they get from A to B? It’s not just about ships or lorries—moving containers involves a web of transport modes, clever engineering, and global coordination. Let’s explore the key ways containers travel the world and why this matters for your logistics needs.
1. Ocean Freight: The Heart of Container Transport
The most common way containers move is by sea. Giant container ships, some carrying over 24,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), crisscross oceans, handling around 90% of global trade by volume, according to the World Shipping Council. Ports like Felixstowe, Rotterdam, or Shanghai buzz with cranes stacking containers like building blocks, secured with twist-locks to brave stormy seas.
For businesses, ocean freight is cost-effective for high-volume goods, but it’s not flawless. Weather, piracy, or disruptions like Red Sea tensions can delay shipments, impacting your supply chain. At Containerlift, we help you navigate these challenges with expert planning and real-time tracking.
2. Intermodal Transport: Lorries and Trains Step In
Once containers hit the port, their journey continues on land. Intermodal transport—moving containers between ships, lorries, and trains without unloading—keeps things efficient. In the UK, freight trains whisk containers from ports like Southampton to inland hubs like Birmingham. Lorries, fitted with chassis trailers, handle shorter hauls or the “last mile” to your warehouse.
The container’s standardised design (ISO specs) makes this seamless, a game-changer for logistics. Whether you’re moving goods across the UK or beyond, Containerlift’s fleet ensures your containers arrive on time, whether by road or rail.
3. Air Freight: Speed Over Size
Air freight is rare for standard containers—they’re too big for most planes. Instead, smaller Unit Load Devices (ULDs) carry urgent or high-value items, like pharmaceuticals, in cargo holds of planes like the Boeing 747F. It’s pricey and accounts for just 1% of trade by volume, but it’s a lifesaver for time-sensitive goods.
For businesses needing speed, Containerlift can coordinate air freight solutions alongside our core services, ensuring your urgent cargo gets priority.
4. Inland Waterways: The Quiet Workhorse
Inland waterways, like the Rhine in Europe or the Manchester Ship Canal in the UK, offer a green alternative. Barges carry containers from ports to inland destinations, emitting less CO2 than lorries or trains. While less common in the UK, it’s a growing option for eco-conscious firms.
Containerlift is exploring waterway solutions to complement our road and rail services, helping you cut costs and carbon without sacrificing reliability.
5. Specialised Containers: Tailored for the Job
Not all containers are standard. Refrigerated “reefers” keep perishables fresh, while flat racks or open-top containers handle oversized cargo like machinery. These require special handling, from power hookups to heavy-duty cranes.
At Containerlift, we’re equipped to transport specialised containers, ensuring your unique cargo—whether chilled goods or heavy equipment—reaches its destination safely.
6. The Invisible Layer: Coordination and Tech
Moving containers isn’t just about vehicles—it’s about people and tech. Port workers, logistics experts, and customs teams keep things flowing, while GPS and RFID tags track your container’s every move. Digital tools, like blockchain, cut delays by securing paperwork.
Containerlift’s advanced tracking and dedicated support give you peace of mind, with real-time updates on your shipment’s progress, no matter where it is.
7. The Future: Drones, Hyperloops, and More
Emerging tech could reshape container transport. Drones might soon handle lightweight containers in remote areas, while hyperloop systems—like DP World’s CargoSpeed—promise ultra-fast inland delivery. Autonomous ships are also on the horizon, cutting costs and errors.
At Containerlift, we’re keeping an eye on these trends to ensure our services stay ahead of the curve, ready to adapt for your future logistics needs.
Why It Matters for Your Business
So, how many ways do containers move? We’ve got ocean freight, intermodal transport (lorries and trains), air freight, inland waterways, and specialised handling—five core methods, plus the tech and people behind them. But it’s the bigger picture that counts: containers don’t just carry goods; they power your business, linking you to global markets.
Whether you’re importing stock, exporting products, or moving equipment, Containerlift makes it happen. Our end-to-end logistics—covering road, rail, and sea—ensure your containers move smoothly, sustainably, and on time. As of 19 May 2025, global trade faces challenges like emissions and geopolitical shifts, but with Containerlift, you’ve got a partner to keep your supply chain strong.
Ready to move your containers? Contact Containerlift today to see how we can tailor our services to your needs!
