In some circumstances, shipping grain in containers is a better alternative than in a bulk arrangement. Since there is a large imbalance of goods flowing into this country, but not back overseas, many containers return to their origin empty. So container space to many overseas destinations can be had for a low price. For instance, MacMillan-Piper has several facilities in the Seattle area, including one at Fredericson served by Tacoma Rail, that transloads grain into containers. This grain arrives at their facility by rail, in hopper cars. See ther website for more info, including pictures:
[www.macpiper.com]
Follow the link and click in the "Airport Way Facility" for a picture of grain getting loaded in a container.