As UK Export Growth Slows, Expert Highlights the Evolving Role of Shipping Containers

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Seventy years after a converted oil tanker carried the first standardised steel boxes from New Jersey to Texas, the shipping container remains the basic unit that global trade is built on.

A recent Financial Times feature examined how that system, having driven down the cost of moving goods to a small fraction of what it once was, is now running into pressure from port congestion and a widening gap between the volume of goods arriving in the West and the amount travelling back the other way.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows UK goods exports fell by 2.1% across 2025 which prompted William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce to warn about the uncertainty for UK trade prospects, earlier this year.

Cleveland Containers, part of Cleveland Group, a leading UK supplier of shipping containers and container conversions, works with businesses across the country that depend on the same network to move goods, materials and equipment. Here, they offer their insights on the changing shape of global trade and the role of shipping containers in a new era.

UK Exporters are Feeling the Pressure

Shipping containers changed more than the mechanics of shipping when they were standardised in the 1960s. It also determined which countries could realistically compete for manufacturing and export work, by making it cheap enough to move goods across oceans that distance stopped being a barrier.

Andrew Thompson, CEO at Cleveland Containers said:

"That shift is part of the reason why the current slowdown in UK exports matters so much. Freight rates, longer transit times and rising insurance costs all add friction to getting goods out of the country, and that lands hardest on exporters who are already competing on tight margins."

The British Chambers of Commerce has referenced Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts pointing to cooler export growth this year, following a decline in goods exports across 2025. Thompson argues that businesses reliant on shipping should expect this kind of volatility to continue.

"Global shipping has been through several years of disruption now, from Red Sea rerouting to capacity being tied up elsewhere," he said. "Exporters who build flexibility into how they source containers and plan shipments are likely to cope with that volatility better."

Ports are Racing to Keep Pace

The pressure on exporters is matched by pressure on the ports handling the goods. DP World's expansion of London Gateway, which will add two new berths capable of taking the world's largest container ships, is expected to make it Britain's largest container port within five years of the project's approval.

Similar investment has been under way elsewhere, with the British Ports Association tracking hundreds of millions of pounds committed across ports including Belfast, Liverpool and Leith.

"Ports were not built with today's ship sizes in mind, so expansion has become a permanent feature of the industry," said Thompson. "For businesses, that means paying attention to which ports are investing and which routes are under strain, because that increasingly determines lead times as much as the shipping schedule itself."

A Second Life for Retired Containers

It’s estimated that around 1.8 million 20ft containers sit idle at any given time, roughly equivalent to the carrying capacity of the world's eighth largest shipping line. That build-up of empty containers can leave vessels queuing for berth space to unload, adding to both the cost and the time it takes to move goods, and leaving ports themselves carrying much of that burden.

Repurposing surplus containers rather than leaving them stacked at port is one way the industry can ease that pressure while giving retired stock a useful second life. Small Business UK reported that UK self-storage space using containers grew by more than 7% in the past year, with firms using them for overspill warehousing, secure on-site stores and temporary workspaces.

"A container coming off a shipping route still has plenty of useful life left in it," said Thompson.

"We convert containers into offices, canteens, workshops and self-storage units for customers across construction, agriculture, retail and education, and demand for that kind of flexible space keeps growing. It's a practical way for the industry to get more value out of stock that would otherwise sit unused while the wider shipping network works through its own problems."

Global trade may look different over the next fifty years, but the steel box that helped build it has now become part of the operational backbone of UK business.

Understand the Risks of Heatwaves

Heatwaves are defined as prolonged periods of excessively high temperatures, often coupled with high humidity. This combination can lead to serious health issues such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Recognising the symptoms of heat-related illnesses is crucial. Heat exhaustion can manifest as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea. If left unaddressed, it can escalate to heat stroke, which presents with symptoms like confusion, loss of consciousness, and a dangerously high body temperature. Being vigilant about these symptoms can protect you and those around you.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to combat the heat. During a heatwave, your body loses a lot of water through sweating, making it essential to replenish your fluids.

Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. If you're active or in a particularly hot climate, increase your intake. To maintain hydration, you might also consider drinking unsweetened herbal teas or electrolyte-infused beverages, which boost hydration without the dehydrating effects of sugary or caffeinated drinks. A study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicated that adequate hydration can improve overall physical performance by nearly 40%.

Eye-level view of a clear glass pitcher filled with refreshing water — A clear glass pitcher filled with refreshing water on a kitchen counter

Seek Shade and Stay Indoors

During peak heat hours, typically between 10am and 4pm, it's advisable to stay indoors whenever possible. If you must go outside, try to find shade to lower the risk of overheating.

Protective clothing is also essential. Opt for lightweight, light-coloured, and loose-fitting attire that allows your skin to breathe. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses can protect you further when you have to be outside.

RecogniSe the Importance of Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is your first line of defense against heat-related health issues. It helps lower indoor temperatures and manage humidity, making your environment more comfortable.

If you do not have air conditioning, look for public places such as libraries, shopping malls, or community centres where you can cool down. Studies show that staying in a cooled environment during a heatwave can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses by 50%.

Close-up view of an air conditioning unit installed in a window — An air conditioning unit is cooling a room during a hot day

Watch for Signs of Heat-Related Illness

Being aware of heat-related illness symptoms is essential for your safety and the safety of those around you.

For example, if you notice someone experiencing heavy sweating and weakness, it's a clear signal to act promptly. Move to a cooler location, hydrate, and avoid exertion until recovery. If symptoms worsen to confusion or loss of consciousness, seeking immediate medical attention is critical.

Engage in Light Physical Activity

While it's wise to avoid intense exercise during extreme heat, light physical activities can be beneficial if done wisely.

Consider taking walks or doing gentle yoga in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are more manageable. Always listen to your body; if you feel dizzy or weak, take breaks and cool down immediately. Remember to keep hydrated throughout your activity.

Keep Track of Local Heat Advisories

Staying updated on local weather conditions can help you prepare for heatwaves effectively. Many meteorological services issue heat advisories that include critical information about expected temperatures and safety tips.

Check reliable sources, such as government weather websites or local news stations, for regular updates on local weather reports for updates during extreme weather events.

Plan for Pets and Vulnerable Individuals

Heatwaves do not just affect humans; pets and vulnerable family members also require special attention. Ensure that your pets have plenty of water and shade outdoors. Avoid taking them for walks during peak sunlight hours, and keep them indoors when possible.

If you have elderly relatives or neighbours, make it a point to check on them throughout the heatwave. They may be particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses, and a simple phone call or visit can significantly impact their safety and comfort.

A Final Word on Staying Safe

Heatwaves can pose serious risks to health and well-being. Understanding these dangers and how to mitigate them is essential for maintaining safety.

By staying hydrated, seeking shade, engaging in light activity, keeping informed about advisories, and preparing your home, you can more safely navigate the summer heat. Always put your well-being and the well-being of those around you first. Dive into summer while keeping safe!

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As UK Export Growth Slows, Expert Highlights the Evolving Role of Shipping Containers

nuse.

Most Read

Categories

Understand the Risks of Heatwaves

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Seek Shade and Stay Indoors

RecogniSe the Importance of Air Conditioning

Watch for Signs of Heat-Related Illness

Engage in Light Physical Activity

Keep Track of Local Heat Advisories

Plan for Pets and Vulnerable Individuals

A Final Word on Staying Safe

Most Read

Categories

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