- Site Restrictions – Containers take up a lot of space and require ample room for storage and transportation. This means that terminals for intermodal transportation have been moved to the urban fringe, limiting its accessibility to other areas.
- Capital Intensiveness – Containers are not a cheap investment, and acquiring them can be a significant financial burden.
- Stacking – Due to the size and weight of containers, stacking them can be tricky and sometimes dangerous. This requires skilled labor and specialized equipment, which can add to the cost of using containers.
- Repositioning – Containers that are not being used must be repositioned, which can contribute to delays and additional costs.
- Losses and Theft – Containers can be vulnerable to cargo theft or damage and can be costly to replace.
- Illicit Trade – Containers can also be used for smuggling of illegal goods, which can potentially pose a safety risk to transportation personnel and the public.
The Disadvantages of Containers in Home and Garden
When it comes to shipping goods, be it merchandise or personal items, containers have become the norm. They offer a secure and cost-effective mode of transportation for goods. As a home and garden enthusiast, one might think that containers could also be useful. However, when it comes to the placement, movement, and security of containers, there are several disadvantages to consider.Site Restrictions for Container Placement
One of the significant drawbacks of containers is their size and the limitations it poses for their placement. Containers require vast open spaces, and this means that they are not suitable for placing in residential spaces. It is not uncommon to see shipping containers littered around ports, but it is not practical to have them in a backyard, for example. The site restrictions are not only limited to residential properties but also some commercial and industrial spaces. Key Point: Containers require ample open spaces, ruling out their placement in residential and limited commercial/industrial spaces.Containers as the Largest Consumers of Terminal Spaces
Containers serve an essential purpose in transportation, but it is worth noting that they are the largest consumers of terminal spaces. Intermodal terminals, which are mainly used for container storage, have had to move from the city center to the urban fringe to accommodate the growing demand for shipping containers. The vast spaces needed to accommodate the containers mean that some land has to be set aside, limiting the potential for other use cases.- Taken-up land which could have been used differently
- Preference for urban fringe storage, increasing transportation costs
- Lesser space for other uses.