I don't mean to sound cynical, I'm sceptical and therefore curious. Bulk has been containerized for a long time. Perhaps COSCO has found just the right tweak. NY Times 2006:
In the past, thousands of containers returned empty to their Asian ports of origin. However, shipping companies are recognizing the value of using these containers for U.S. soybean exports instead of sending them back empty. This approach provides a more efficient, environmentally friendly and profitable option for both the shipper and the customer.
From 2015 grain:
While some specialized grain products have been marketed in containers for decades, a more general commercialization of the grain container market has occurred over the past several years. The U.S. grain industry has for decades offered the container option to fulfill orders such as food-grade soybeans to Japan. A wider use of containers for traditional bulk shipments such as feed-grade corn is a more recent phenomenon. The increase in containerized grain shipments has resulted from market changes, as well as industry investments that increase the visibility and viability of this option. For example, the grain industry near Chicago, IL—America’s largest inland intermodal hub—has converted several small, local grain facilities from bulk to container to take advantage of its proximity to a readily available supply of empty containers.