When looking at a stack of shipping containers, what do you think of? Most people see shipping containers as just that…a shipping container. I look at it a little different.
I do not want to over dramatize a shipping container, however, my trips to Iraq placed a new meaning to shipping containers. I think of several things when I see a stack of shipping containers when I pass them loaded on a railroad car, loaded on a truck, or stacked in a storage yard.
My first thought when I see these containers is that I remember how they were used to carry my personal belonging to and from the country of Iraq. Now, I only packed a footlocker and some office equipment, but it was important when these containers arrived into Iraq. These contained the personal belonging of video games, books, or other comfort materials. In addition, they contained new uniforms and nice to have equipment.
Also, I think of shipping containers in reference to some of the shipping containers that I saw used as a housing unit by some Soldiers while deployed. In some areas, this was the best shelter available and with good ingenuity the occupants were able to build plywood walls and even air-condition the units.
Most importantly, the shipping container is a signal to leave for another country. Packing these containers was the last thing to do before leaving the United States or the country of Iraq. As you could imagine, packing these container set off a feeling of “yes, this is really going to happen” or “it’s about time this year is over!”
As you can see, the average everyday shipping container means something entirely different to me than most other people.
—–
Photo from Unsplash.com