What is containerization in shipping? Containerization is the use of standardized steel containers to move cargo across ships, trucks, and rail without unpacking between modes. Containers follow ISO standards, primarily 20ft (1 TEU) and 40ft (2 TEU). The system carries roughly 90% of non-bulk world trade and reduced shipping costs by an estimated 90% between 1960 and 1980. https://www.shipfinex.com/blog/containerization-definition-types-advantages-challenges