3 MAPS TO MAKE SENSE OF INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

We often see the ‘Made in China’ label, but rarely understand what that means.

We sat down and simplified International Shipping. Here are the only 3 photos you need to have a basic understanding of how it works.

1. Manufacturing

Manufacturers produce massive quantities of items to meet domestic and international demand. Once finished, the items are packaged and loaded into containers for shipping.

Courtesy of: Dutakharisma.com

2. Shipping

Massive cargo ships are loaded by machine with standard-sized containers, before leaving port for their next destination.

Courtesy of: Sciencemag.org

3. Consuming

Once the items have arrived, they are unloaded and distributed to businesses and eventually sold-on to consumers.

Courtesy of: Bulgariamall.bg

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Studying in shipping containers

Nowadays shipping containers are becoming more and more popular. Container restaurants, shipping container bars, shipping container clinics or shipping container dream houses. Basically, a shipping container is made out of steel and it is a type of storage box used to load heavy equipment, dry goods for shipping purposes. But is it possible to study in a shipping container as well?

A container’s classroom

In rolling hills of Durbanville wine alley, on the outskirts of Cape Town in South Africa, the region known for its poverty, finally found sponsors, three South African companies, Woolworths, Safmarine and AfriSam and a shipping recycled container was converted into a independent classroom. Kids at age 5-6 could start studying.

A concept diagram

 

It started as an annual competition called “Making the difference through design”. The competitors tried to find a way how a recycled container can be adapted to help under-resourced schools.

Colorful windows

This container serves as a classroom in the morning and as a library in the afternoon. The container is sheltered from direct sunlight by a big roof while the gap reduces heat gain. This horizontal solar shade is the most radical addition to the container. There are colorful windows located on each side of the container to achieve a cross ventilation. Stepped seating offers children to have their lunch there and socialize. It is also an amphitheater for school assemblies.

A large area around the classroom was transformed into a vegetable garden where children can grow plants and have fresh vegetables as a part of school’s feeding program.

As we see containers are not only economical but also very practical. Shanghai Metal Corporation is the leading manufacturer and supplier of shipping containers so please feel free to visit our website or send us inquiry. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LindkedIn. if you have smart phone or tablet, download our brand new application by scanning QR code. Our English speaking staff will be more than glad to help you and answer your questions.

Silvia M.//SMC Editor

Credit and pictures: wisegeek.com, wikipedia.com, archdaily.com, gizmag.com, google images, pinterest

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