
Marc Levinson
Economist, historian, and journalist; author of "The Box" and "An Extraordinary Time."
Top 5 podcasts with Marc Levinson
Ranked by the Snipd community

12 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 48min
563. How the Container Changed the World feat. Marc Levinson
Marc Levinson, a prominent journalist and economist, delves into the transformative power of the humble shipping container. He shares captivating insights into how this innovation ignited globalization and reshaped global trade. Levinson recounts the labor-intensive woes of pre-container shipping and the fierce union battles that followed. He also uncovers the unexpected repercussions of global supply chains and how containerization altered economic dynamics. The discussion even touches on the evolution of trade from physical goods to digital exchanges.

6 snips
May 5, 2025 • 56min
From Shipping Things to Spreading Ideas (unboxing global trade with Marc Levinson)
Marc Levinson, an economist and author, discusses the revolutionary impact of containerization on global trade. He delves into how this innovation reshaped economic geography and the shipping industry. This conversation also explores the evolving nature of trade, highlighting the shift from tangible goods to intangible exchanges like services and ideas. Levinson uncovers the complexities of modern logistics and the challenges posed by automation, while emphasizing the need for adaptability in the face of globalization.

Dec 5, 2023 • 1h 35min
The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger | Marc Levinson | BM1
Marc Levinson, an economist and historian, unpacks the revolutionary impact of containerization on global trade in this insightful discussion. He shares the story of Malcolm McLean, whose vision transformed shipping logistics and streamlined international commerce. Levinson examines how the standardization of containers reshaped economies, especially in Asia, and the challenges dock workers faced during this transition. The conversation also explores potential threats to the industry and the future of sustainable shipping practices.

Mar 31, 2021 • 32min
How Gigantic Ships Are Creating Global Supply Chain Havoc
Marc Levinson, an esteemed economist and historian known for his expertise on global trade, dives into the issues surrounding massive cargo ships that are strangling supply chain logistics. He discusses the Ever Given’s infamous Suez Canal incident, revealing the larger system flaws it exposed. Levinson sheds light on the operational challenges posed by ultra-large vessels, from port difficulties to evolving shipping demands post-pandemic. He also emphasizes the need for companies to rethink purchasing strategies and enhance inventory management to sidestep future disruptions.

Jan 18, 2021 • 46min
Why the Cost of Shipping Goods From China Is Suddenly Soaring
In this insightful discussion, economist and historian Marc Levinson sheds light on the ongoing global shipping crisis that intensified since the pandemic. He reveals how shipping costs from China have skyrocketed, quadrupling on some routes due to rising demand. Levinson also explores the intricate dynamics of shipping contracts, the dominance of major alliances in the industry, and the inefficiencies brought about by larger vessels. Plus, he discusses the humanitarian concerns affecting crew members caught in this turmoil.