UK-based Container Group Technology partner John Evans estimates that about six million cars are delivered worldwide by sea every year. There are problems with the system. There had been little change in the style of distribution in the past 10 to 15 years, he said, adding that these days manufacturers wanted to find ways to reduce overall costs through no-delay delivery after leaving the factory. This has created an opportunity for new container designs for vehicles that would take into account factors like safety, ease of movement, intermodality, weight, height, length, protection of vehicles and intermodal regulations.
Many lines already use cars to fill containers, particularly in Australia and South America.
Through containerisation, cars would be an additional lightweight cargo to be carried at marginal cost without destroying existing cargo rates. The same system is applicable for sea, rail, road or barge. The Car-Rac collapsible container, for example, would eliminate handling damage and allow small, regular economic deliveries to most parts of the world. It is also ISO standard, with two decks and space for six vehicles. Car-Rac would cut delivery time, improving customer satisfaction and optimising sales operations.