How the shipping container created today’s global economy

Shipping containers standardised many aspects of trade, allowing globalisation to flourish and radically changing the world we live in. Hector Reid looks into the story behind the metal boxes, and explains how they work.

Lorry and ship with shipping containers © VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Chinese shipping line Cosco is one of the biggest in the world
(Image credit: Lorry and ship with shipping containers © VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

Editor's note: John's away this week so in place of your usual Saturday morning roundup, today we have a guest post on the mechanics of global trade, from financial writer Hector Reid.

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Hector Reid is a freelance writer, editor and content designer for financial companies. He has a Bachelor in Arts from the University of Manchester. Hector shares his expertise in funds and the economy.