The Shipping Container Revolutionizes Global Trade

The invention of the shipping container in 1956 by Malcolm McLean revolutionized the way goods are transported. It eliminated the need to unload and reload goods from one container to the next, making the process faster and more efficient. As a result, the shipping industry became more streamlined, with fewer workers required. However, the shipping container was initially not suitable for perishable products, which continued to be transported using bulk cargo. This led to market flooding and wastage. Eventually, in the 1970s, refrigerated containers, known as reefers, were developed to address this issue.