7 Surprising Facts About Shipping

Corsair Logistics is a Durban-based transport and logistics firm that specialises in all things related to shipping and commercial freight. We are privileged to work in a fascinating industry that goes back centuries and is still robust and profitable today. Here are seven fascinating facts you may not know about shipping.

Fascinating Freight Transport Facts

In our blog post, we have focused on numerous aspects of the business of shipping. The facts that follow may not be known to many of our clients and potential clients, but they really deepen one’s appreciation of the industry and procedures that move massive amounts of cargo all over the world.

1. It’s One of the World’s Biggest Employers

The international shipping industry employs around 1.5 million people, making it one of the world’s most important sources of worldwide employment. One-third of this number is made up of men from one country: the Philippines.

Read Next: FAQ About the Shipping and Logistics Industry

2. The Shipping Industry Consumes as Much Fuel as a Country

It probably isn’t particularly surprising to you that shipping would have massive fuel requirements. What is surprising is the sheer amount of fuel needed to drive the industry. A large cargo ship requires 150 to 250 tons of fuel per day. In terms of fuel use, it would rank sixth if it were added to the list of the world’s top consumers.

3. Shipping is Still One of the Most Affordable Ways to Transport Cargo

Despite the astronomical fuel costs involved, shipping is still the cheapest form of commercial transport. It is the reason why goods such as clothing can be sold at such affordable prices. Shipping is so cheap in some sectors, that it makes the outsourcing of certain industrial processes more affordable than beneficiation. For example, it’s cheaper for certain fish products to be shipped abroad for packing and then shipped back to their country of origin than it is to do the packing in the same location.

4. In a Connected World, Ship Crews are Surprisingly Disconnected

We live in the information age, in which almost everyone can almost instantly connect to anyone else. Yet, ships crews are still completely cut off when they’re out at sea. Roughly two-thirds of ships’ crews have no means of communication while on a journey.

5. Shipping is Still The Safest Form of Commercial Transport

The shipping industry is carefully organised and regulated by the International Maritime Organization and the International Labour Organization. It was one of the first industries to adopt international safety standards.

6. The 3 Biggest Shipping Fleets in the World are Owned By…

The countries that have the biggest shipping fleets are not the ones you would expect. During the time of the British Empire, the UK had the largest fleet. Today, you might expect the United States or China to top the list. However, none of these three come near the top. The biggest fleets are owned by Greece, Japan and Germany.

7. Cargo Ships Cover Huge Distances

On average, a large cargo ship will travel about ten times the distance to the moon and back (i.e. 10 x 768 800km) before it is retired.

Trust Corsair Logistics with Your Import and Export Logistics

Corsair Logistics is a transport and logistics company based in Durban, South Africa. Contact us to find out how we can create tailored staging and storing, clearing and forwarding and freight transportation services for you.

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