SHIPPING ART

 

It’s a modern marvel that Amazon and other packages find their way to our door. Passing through numerous shipping, warehousing, handling and delivery systems. They all gather marks along the way, some intentional and others not. Everything from the smudge from the loading dock to stickers designating a sorting order or contents. Bar codes that keep it on track. There are the hands of the driver and the unseen ones of pilots in flight. They all make for colorful packages at our door each with their own travel tale.

None of this would be possible or as low cost without the invent of the shipping container that allowed for the efficient handling of freight. Affording space for thousands of different packages versus the bulk shipping of the past. The container was Invented by Malcom McLean in 1951 rapidly growing to worldwide adoption. McLean only had one truck in his small freight company, but quickly gleaned on to idea of using containers when he started hauling empty tobacco barrels, ones he thought could be used to carry freight. He garnered enough support of his container idea to purchase a ship. He fashioned the square boxes familiar now on ships and docks. His efforts all led to forming the company Sea Land and other shipping adventures.

If you ordered any electronics, it probably originated in Asia. It’s both fun and amazing to see how many locations are involved in the transit. Beijing, Atlanta, Kentucky, Charlotte and out to you. The package arriving always seemingly on time. It asks little as you open it, Just to be recycled and put to work again…