ISBU Shipping Container Industry

How the Shipping Container Industry is structured and organized…

 Shipping Container Manufacturing And Distribution Although the ISO Container got it's conception and start through American ingenuity, the United States had no ability to either build shipping containers economically or the ships to carry them. The first shipping containers were manufactured by Japan, Europe, then later Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Those countries accounted for about 90% of all shipping container production. The world needed less expensive shipping containers, and by the early 1980’s China was surging rapidly as a global manufacturer of many products and commodities. Not only was China booming as a global exporter, but they had become one of the largest global manufacturers of steel.                                                                                                                                 [Photo: ISBU Association]                                                                                                                                                                                           China Takes The Lead China entered into the shipping container manufacturing in 1980 with the formation of CIMC in Shenzhen, China, but only gained it's greatest momentum beginning in 1993. Not only was China's low cost of labor an issue, but China was also becoming the largest producer and recycler of steel. By 1995 even Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and most of Europe were producing their shipping containers in Mainland China. Since 1996 CIMC has been the largest manufacturer of ISO Containers in the world, and by 2007 China was producing 82% of the entire world supply of ISO shipping containers. There are now many smaller companies manufacturing in China that fabricate the ISO Containers in competition with CIMC. Now, whether you see a shipping container from China Shipping, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, Evergreen, OOCL, Cronos, Hyundai, Hamburg, or any other shipping company, they are all still made in China. Even though many companies such as Travelodge and Tempo Housing Keetwonen prefer new and specially designed ISBU modules from China factories they are still recyclable and very Eco- Green housing units. Container Manufacturing And Distribution There are many levels in the ISO Container Industry, similar to the manufacture and distribution levels of automobiles, large electronics, appliances, and other large products. The four (4) very basic levels of the container industry are Compliance, Manufacturing, Distribution, and Consumers.                                                                                                                           [Graphics: ISBU Association]                                                                                                                                                                   Shipping Container Manufacturing and Compliance • ISO Maritime Compliance and Manufacturing Standards The organization that sets these standards is called the IMO, meaning International Maritime Organization. All 'containers modules' manufactured for the purpose of shipping via the seas, ocean, or rail must be manufactured according to ISO Maritime standards set forth by the IMO, and then CSC certified. This IMO Standard is not always necessary for 'container modules' manufactured specifically as an ISBU module. Manufacturing Process • Structural Engineers • ISO Certified Container Factory • CSC Inspections and CSC-Plates Most Shipping Companies, Leasing Companies, and Container Distributors do not have their own manufacturing facilities. Most of these companies simply contract with a Steel Fabricator that specializes only in the manufacturing of 'shipping containers', 'ISBU modules', and related components. For example, when a Shipping Agency orders shipping containers the Container Manufacturer they already know the basics of the product. They only allow minimal modifications from the IMO Standards. Such modifications may include, additional structural strengths, wall corrugation types, flooring types, paint colors, locking systems, venting, company logos and usually two choices of wall steel thickness. Minimum quantities of 100 units are standard, with additional price breaks in larger quantities. * For additional details regarding Manufacturing Compliance, and the    Manufacturing process please Login to the Member website. [ Login ] Distribution Networks The prime purchasers and distributors of new, and used ISO Shipping Container modules and ISBU modules are divided into the following Distribution Network categories: Distribution Network "A" • Shipping Agencies • Leasing Companies • Container Dealer's Association Distribution Network "B" • Container Dealers/Brokers  [see Container Dealer's Association] • Container Depots • Container Dealer's Association Consumers and End Users of Shipping Containers and ISBU Modules  • DIY Consumer • Modifiers • Building Contractor • Real Estate Developers • Portable Storage Dealers _____________________________________________________________________ NOTE: Not all Shipping Container Manufacturers provide sufficient Quality Control (QC) methods, especially in China. However even the largest Shipping Companies complain with QC issues in some China factories, in spite of their QC supervision. However, all containers always meet CSC standards before receiving the CSC- Plate and credentials. Additionally, not all Shipping Container resellers and dealers are legitimate. Use caution when placing orders for Used shipping containers in your area. The business ethic of the Seller is critical. Be certain that all quotations include delivery to your site, firm pricing, and a solid delivery date. We Do Not Recommend Third Party Sources. Buy directly from credible Dealers only! For an updated, current list of credible Container dealers visit the Container Dealers Association (CDA) website.