8.8 The Modern Freight Container

The term “freight transportation” conjures images of boats or trains filled to the brim with modern day shipping containers, but the movement of merchandise has not always been this simple.

Prior to the 18th century, freight was handled manually as break bulk cargo. In other words each item was individually accounted for and transferred between carriers- a rather inefficient method.

Malcolm McLean patented the first standardized shipping container in 1956. These steel containers were designed to be robust and reliable.