When you think of freight and logistics, words like “fun” or “fascinating” might not spring to mind straight away, but they should. At Think Global Logistics, we live and breathe freight, and we know the industry is packed with surprising, quirky, and downright impressive facts that most people have never heard.
So, whether you’re a seasoned importer, a first-time exporter, or just curious about how goods move around the globe, here are some freight facts that might just surprise you.
- The Shipping Industry Moves Over 90% of Global Trade
Let’s kick off with the big one. Over 90% of global trade is transported by sea. That’s right. Nearly everything you own, from your phone to your favourite pair of sneakers, has probably spent time on a container ship before arriving in Australia.
Ocean freight is the unsung hero of global commerce. It’s efficient, cost-effective, and essential to keeping store shelves stocked and supply chains running.
- Containers Were a Game Changer
Before the invention of the modern shipping container in the 1950s, cargo had to be loaded and unloaded piece by piece. This process, known as break bulk, was time-consuming, costly, and prone to damage and theft.
Then came the humble intermodal container. It’s the same kind you see stacked at ports and on trucks and trains today. It standardised the entire process and revolutionised the industry. One standard-sized box that could move from ship to truck to rail without unloading the contents? Absolute genius.
And here’s a fun one. There are currently over 17 million shipping containers in circulation worldwide.
- The Longest Freight Train Was Over 7 Kilometres Long
Australia is home to one of the longest freight trains ever operated. In 2001, BHP ran a train that was 7.3 kilometres long in Western Australia, hauling iron ore. It had 682 wagons and was powered by eight locomotives.
To put that in perspective, that train was long enough to stretch from Sydney’s CBD to the airport twice.
- Ships Have GPS, But So Do Your Containers
Modern freight tracking goes beyond ships and trucks. Many high-value shipments are now equipped with GPS-enabled trackers that monitor not only location but also temperature, humidity, shock, and whether the container has been opened.
This kind of smart freight is becoming more popular as businesses demand greater transparency and control over their supply chains. It’s something we at Think Global Logistics are proud to offer.
- Air Freight Is Super-Fast and Super Expensive
Need it there yesterday? Air freight is the answer. While only around 1% of global trade by volume travels by air, it represents over 30% by value. That’s because air freight is typically reserved for high-value, time-sensitive goods like electronics, pharmaceuticals and fashion samples.
Fun fact. A Boeing 747 freighter can carry over 100 tonnes of cargo at a time. That’s roughly the weight of 16 adult elephants.
- The Port of Shanghai Is the Busiest in the World
You might assume the largest ports are in the US or Europe, but the Port of Shanghai takes the title. It handles over 43 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) a year. In contrast, Port Botany in Sydney handles about 2.5 million TEUs annually.
These mega-ports run 24/7 and rely heavily on automation, cranes, and high-tech logistics systems to keep cargo moving efficiently.
- Freight Isn’t Just Goods, It’s Culture
Freight doesn’t just move products; it moves ideas, trends and culture. The global fashion industry, for instance, relies heavily on air and sea freight to get collections to stores on time. Your favourite K-pop album or Japanese tech gadget? Thank freight for that.
Even art exhibitions, musical instruments for world tours and major sporting equipment rely on precise logistics to move from one country to another.
- The Suez Canal Blockage Cost Billions Per Day
In 2021, the Ever Given ship famously blocked the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most vital shipping routes. The impact was staggering. It held up an estimated US$9 billion in trade each day.
This single event shone a spotlight on just how fragile global supply chains can be. It also highlighted why smart logistics planning and a good freight partner matter more than ever.
- Freight Has a Role in Sustainability
Logistics isn’t just about speed. It’s about sustainability too. Freight companies are increasingly investing in greener options, from electric trucks and biofuel-powered ships to carbon offset programs and eco-packaging.
At Think Global Logistics, we’re constantly looking for ways to help our clients make their supply chains more environmentally responsible.
- There’s a Freight Day… Kind Of
Okay, so it might not have the glamour of Valentine’s Day or the BBQs of Australia Day, but International Day of the Seafarer on June 25th is a chance to recognise the incredible men and women who keep global shipping running. Without them, freight doesn’t move, and neither does the world.
Conclusion
Freight isn’t just about boxes on ships or pallets on trucks. It’s the engine behind global trade and daily life. From jaw-dropping trains to high-tech tracking and global culture on the move, freight is full of surprises.
At Think Global Logistics, we combine deep industry knowledge with smart technology to make international freight simple, efficient, and even, dare we say it, fun.
So next time you receive a delivery or unpack a product made overseas, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating journey it took to get there. And when you’re ready to move your own cargo, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Think smart. Think global. Think Global Logistics.