Container shipping is ships that hold each of their cargo in large-sized vessels, called storage containers.It is an extremely popular means by shipping companies of intermodal shipping transport and items of varying kinds could be shipped all over the world; from foods, electronics and fabrics.
But exactly how made it happen all happen?
An up to date shipping company currently owes gratitude to an American trucker called Malcom McLean.
Way back in 1931, McLean invested in his very first truck which has been utilized to send and pick up loads back and forth from vessels in several ports.
Nevertheless, it had been whilst awaiting the content being loaded about the ship which he had his epiphany and considered of a more effective and quick way to load and unload vessels, saving time, labour and money.
The initial container ships were changed tankers, built up after World War II; also it wasn’t right up until 1951 that the initial purpose-built container vessel began working in Denmark, between Seattle and Alaska.
The very first container ship in america to voyage was owned and operated by McLean five years later and it carried 58 metal containers in between Newark, New Jersey and Houston, Texas. Dubbed ‘Ideal X’, it still left the Port of Chicago and revolutionised modern shipping consequently.
The trucker built up his business, McLean Trucking, into undoubtedly one of USA’s largest freighter fleets but not with no hassle.
Many shipping lines, railway companies and trade unions strongly opposed and attempted to block the use of containers on ships; taking 10 long years of legal battles prior to container shipscould be pressed into international service.
It changed the face of shipping and transformed world trade.