The Suez Canal has long been one of the most critical arteries for global trade, carrying close to 12% of international goods annually. Yet in recent months, many container shipping lines have chosen to reroute their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope. While this path is longer and more expensive, the shift reflects a strategic choice that prioritizes safety, reliability, and business continuity.

When a single container topples, the risk is rarely limited to that unit. On large vessels carrying thousands of TEUs, one collapse can trigger a domino failure, where multiple stacks fall in sequence, leading to massive cargo loss, vessel instability, and safety threats to crew. Incidents like this highlight the urgent need for AI-based stack monitoring, dynamic lashing sensors, and predictive safety systems.

Shipping containers may look simple from the outside, but their design includes small details that make a big difference in cargo safety and functionality. Among these are the vents on the container walls and the number of locking rods on the container doors. Ever wondered why some containers have 3 locking rods while others have 4? Or what those small vents on the sides actually do? Let’s break it down.

The flooring of a shipping container plays a much bigger role than most people realize. It affects durability, cargo safety, maintenance, and even cost. Two of the most common flooring materials are steel and bamboo plywood. But what’s the difference, and which one is right for your needs?

Reefer containers are essential in preserving the quality of temperature-sensitive cargo - from fresh produce and dairy to pharmaceuticals and seafood. However, even the most advanced reefer containers for lease or sale can underperform if not handled correctly. Whether used for transportation or static cold storage, a few common mistakes can compromise cargo quality, increase energy costs, or even lead to product loss.  Here are the most frequent errors to watch out for - and how to avoid them. 

Reefer containers are essential to cold chain logistics, ensuring temperature-sensitive cargo like seafood, pharmaceuticals, and frozen foods stay preserved from origin to destination. One key feature that boosts their efficiency for cold storage is the butcher’s door - a smaller entry that helps retain temperature and atmosphere while allowing easy access. This blog explores how such features enhance refrigerated cargo management and cold chain reliability.

Leasing or buying a shipping container can be a smart investment - if you know what to look for. Whether you're sourcing containers for storage, transport, or modification, conducting a proper inspection is crucial to avoid costly surprises down the line. At VS&B Containers, we believe in helping customers make informed decisions. That’s why we’ve put together this practical container inspection guide to ensure your next purchase or lease is worth every dollar.

In the vast and complex world of container shipping solutions, even the smallest components can have a major impact. One such overlooked yet essential element is the CSC plate—a small metal tag found on all internationally approved shipping containers. Whether you’re involved in container leasing, buying and selling, or intermodal transport, understanding the CSC plate is vital to ensuring safety, compliance, and seamless logistics.

The maritime industry has always carried inherent risks, but the recent surge in onboard emergencies - from fires to container losses - has highlighted the urgent need for enhanced emergency preparedness. As global trade grows more complex, container shipping solutions must evolve to handle unexpected hazards at sea.

As global trade expands and containerized logistics become more complex, businesses are seeking smarter, faster, and more cost-effective ways to acquire containers. Among the popular choices in the market today are gate buy one-trip containers—a solution that offers both quality and convenience. But what are they exactly, and why are they gaining momentum across shipping container buyers and intermodal transport networks?