Revolution of Intermodal Transportation by Containerization
The intermodal shipping containers are large steel tool boxes made in different standardized sizes for movement of goods using the ships, trucks, airplane, or train. The simple technology improved the social and economic situation of the global market by allowing transportation of bulk goods on water for longer distances. Before the intermodal transport, people used break bulk shipping, products used to be carried using loose boxes, bags, and other small boxes. The break bulk was cumbersome, people spent longer, and a great deal of time unloading them in the ships. The earliest containers were made from coal containers the refurbished to wooden containers. The United States had the initial intermodal containers, which were known as the Lift Vans in 1911. However, Malcolm McLean invented containerization in 1956. The containers reduced the cost of freight, improved reliability, and reduced theft (Mayo and Norhia par 1).
Modification Of The Shipping Industry By McLean’s Company
McLean was a transport business entrepreneur who adopted the idea of the containers used in London and Paris trains to carry passengers' luggage. McLean focused on operating the business efficiently. Thus, he invented the containers, which required less time and labor for loading. It is pertinent to note that the idea was not new because ships used to carry random large boxes, for instance; the seatrain once carried the railroad boxcars between New York and Cuba. McLean envisioned changing his truck fleeting business into a more cost-effective channel, and only shipping could help him. The Ideal X was the first container he produced that carried fifty-eight other containers from Port Newark to Houston in April 1956. The intermodal business was a victory to the shippers and port authorities because it enabled them to reduce the number of workers who used to load and offload the ships. However, McLean innovation was a threat to the dock unions because of lost labor, and thus, he acted vigilantly and secured standardization for the containers; thus receiving patent protection. He then issued the patent royalty free to the Industrial Organization for Standardization (ISO) to boost the possibility of success of the intermodal possibilities. Essentially, Mclean containers greatly revolutionized the industry making shipping the 90% transportation mode in the world. Making McLean a leader in the shipping industry as of his innovation has been reinvented over time (Justin par 1). The shipping container invention by Mclean has certainly changed the lives of many people in the shipping industry.
Change in Containerization Since 1956
According to Jean and Brian, competition and modernization have pushed to the development of modernized containers from the initial simple networks meant to transport goods in lower costs ( par 1). In the past three decades, containerization has developed into more integrated systems with various modes of transportation and networks. Intermodal developed from maritime transportation. Containers have been developed to allow mechanized handling of the cargo, which is much safer and in standardized forms. The rail industry developed their intermodal road trailer, which was a better version of piggyback. The US government also allowed deregulation of shipping industries, which enabled them to integrate rail and road services to their customers. Containerization has been diversified to meet various customer needs. For instance, there has been the development of flat containers, refrigerated containers, standard container, and the tank containers. The refrigerated container was designed to carry commodities at a controlled temperature. In addition, the airline industry has developed their containers. The development in containerization has played an essential role in globalization and international trade. It has also propelled the world economy.
Works Cited
Anthony J. Mayo, and Nitin Norhia. "The Truck Driver Who Reinvented Shipping." HBS Working Knowledge. 2005. Web. 04 Apr. 2016.
Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue, and Dr. Brian Slack. "Intermodal Transportation and Containerization." Intermodal Transportation and Containerization. 2016. Web. 04 Apr. 2016.
Justin Veltheon. "The Container That Changed the Shipping World - QStock Inventory." QStock Inventory The Container That Changed the Shipping World Comments. 14 Jan. 2016. Web. 04 Apr. 2016.
