Why is containerization is so important to trade?

Question

Why is containerization is so important to trade?

Answer 1

Containerization is one example of standardization. Standardization attempts to solve coordination and matchmaking problems.

The introduction of containers resulted in vast improvements in port handling efficiency, thus lowering costs and helping lower freight charges and, in turn, boosting trade flows. Almost every manufactured product humans consume spends some time in a container.

Sometimes an interemediary can solve matching problems, another example is using money as a means of exchange to match buyers and sellers, rather than barter trade.