FreightWaves Classics

Today, automation can mean launching a fleet of autonomous robots that can unload shipping containers without human intervention. In 1974, a remote-controlled “bow boat” was considered a major launch.

The latest episode of Tracks Through Time looks at the disappearance of a giant British merchant ship and the long investigation.

In 1977, news of the looming threat of a strike by a union of dockworkers was prevalent in the pages of American Shipper magazine. The publisher at the time ended the April issue that year with an opinion piece discussing the threat.

In 1975, American Shipper originally covered the launch of the “catamaran-tug,” which completed its maiden voyage to Port Everglades with a 42,000-ton cargo of gasoline for Shell Oil Co.

American shipping magnate believed in efficiency and economies of scale in operating the world’s largest ships.

In 1990, Martin Scorsese directed acclaimed gangster flick “Goodfellas,” captivating audiences with the story of a famous heist. The movie was loosely based on the 1978 heist of a Lufthansa airplane’s cargo, and the true story is even more unbelievable than the script.

View a collection of photos throughout the history of Love’s Travel Stops and the family to celebrate Tom Love’s life.

The first woman to command an American merchant ship did so when her husband was too sick to captain in 1856. She was 19 and four months pregnant.

Daylight saving time was enacted on Feb. 9, 1942. Some believe the reasoning behind it is no longer relevant and the practice should be discontinued, but how did it start in the first place?

Early U.S. railroad history can thank B&O Railroad for many of its strides forward.

As Black History Month comes to a close, FreightWaves celebrates some of the most important African American figures in the transportation industry.

As the United States focuses on the disaster unfolding in Ohio after the Norfolk Southern train derailment, here is a look back at some of the worst train disasters in history. The incidents highlight the importance of safety and infrastructure.

The Pony Express lasted only one year and was a financial failure. So why are we still talking about it today?

2004: The capsizing of two vessels rocks the project cargo industry.

Debuting in 1936, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile was created as a marketing device and to transport the company spokesman. The unique transportation method went on to symbolize the meat brand and 21st century Americana.

1994: Those involved in response to the 600,000-gallon spill reflect on their efforts.

Imagine drowning in a flood of molasses that entombed you as it hardened. That’s what 21 people suffered in 1919 when the storage of molasses in Boston went awry.

NASA hauls the longest heavy cargo delivery; Reefers run food to the Bahamas; Submarine cables connect the Virgin Islands.

1971: Londoners are able to buy American melons for the first time after test shipments to the U.K. proved successful.

From tragedy to unprecedented feats, the Golden Gate Bridge is an important part of American history in freight, transportation and architecture.

We take a look back at the state-of-the-art technology that streamlined trucking in 1961.

1992: 2-D bar codes provide an almost infinite variety of codes, which could prove especially useful in international shipping.

As cars gained popularity, ships were converted and built specifically for transporting vehicles overseas.

So much of the history of the United States can be traced back to Route 66, including major growth in the trucking industry.

This year, FreightWaves Classics took a look back at some of history’s most interesting stories in freight, logistics and supply chains. These are the articles that readers found most engaging.

The U.K.’s largest sunken merchant ship met a dramatic end. But no one knew what actually happened until 20 years after the disaster, thanks to the families of the crew who fought hard for answers.

2000: World container port throughput increased 7.8% last year to about 201 million TEUs — the first time volume exceeded 200 million TEUs.

1974: They may be the last hurdles in the way of renewed trade between the
United States and Cuba. An embargo failed to work and indirect business
has begun.

By the start of the 1900s, about 40 U.S.-flag ships were operated by the country’s lumber titans, proving to the industry at the time that marine transport was more efficient than rail.

Dec. 17 marked 119 years since the Wright brothers first successfully flew a man-powered airplane, paving the way for continuous innovation in the flying world.

Nuclear verdicts against the trucking industry are becoming more frequent, with freight brokers now being sued after accidents.

1991: The new system allows automobiles to move in regular intermodal containers instead of the multilevel railcards that now are the industry standard.

It has been 109 years since the assembly line debuted on the Ford factory floor. The system became the basis for an innovative way of manufacturing in the United States.

Three laid-up Mission tankers were enlisted to help get a man on the moon.

What’s it like to ride a historic locomotive? Go behind-the-scenes during FreightWaves’ ride on the No. 4014.

1999: eBay ushers in e-commerce’s most dramatic distribution channel disruption in decades.

Nike has remained a popular shoe brand for decades (Photo: AP File/Matt Rourke)

A potential rail strike in the coming weeks has echoes of the infamous railroad strike of 1877, but with hopefully much less dire consequences. (Photo: AP/Gene J. Puskar)

FreightWaves Classics examines storied ocean carrier U.S. Lines, which was persistent in its desire to operate a successful cargo ship named the American Shipper.

In 1952, a C-124 flew straight into a remote Alaskan mountaintop, killing all aboard. Here’s the story of what it’s taking to bring them home.

Egypt’s Suez Canal was built 153 years ago this week, and its storied history is so much more than last year’s drama.

As far as aircraft go, the Douglas C-124 Cargomaster II was a vital waymarker for the U.S. Air Force in the years following the Berlin Airlift, when U.S. and British air forces began airlifting food and fuel to a blockaded West Germany after World War II.

Cargo misdeclaration may save a shipper money on freight rates, but this underhanded act threatens the lives of those who provide the transportation.

A massive eight-day backup of barge traffic at Locks and Dam 26 on the Mississippi River in 1976 resulted in shipping losses estimated as high as $500,000 a day.

Tuesday marks the 75th anniversary of the one and only flight of the Hughes Flying Boat, the so-called Spruce Goose.

Trucker hats have been part of American culture since they first sprang up in the 1960s as promotional giveaways.

FreightWaves recently conducted several surveys about CB radio usage among truckers. More than 32% of respondents said they still use CB radios all the time while driving

To celebrate the debut of “Duel” 50 years ago, here are five things to know about Steven Spielberg’s first full-length movie.

1988: The U.S.-Far East container trade will undergo a significant drop in growth over the next few years, according to a study recently completed by the research firm of Temple, Barker & Sloane Inc.

1999: To avoid the costs and delays of processing stowaways at destination ports, some ships’ crews have been known to shove stowaways overboard and set them adrift at sea.

Though maritime shipments of LNG are routine today, it was only 62 years ago that the first shipment of LNG occurred.

“Not only are we at the height of the Christmas season, but we’re at the height of the Y2K concern as well. Importers and major trading houses are trying to move their goods now to beat any chance of problems with the changeover to the new millennium.”

1994: Despite its effectiveness in catching contraband, Customs pulls the plug on X-ray procedures at Tacoma.

1971: Security at Miami International Airport will be increased with a move aimed at protecting precious cargo as well as travelers.

1961: The first of a complete line of lightweight, compact, heavy-duty diesels for the over-highway trucking industry by Caterpillar, the 1673 has been tested on some 200 trucks throughout the nation.

2006: Schneider National CEO called for a return to a national speed limit, saying it was the most important thing that the federal government can do to improve highway safety.

1975: C-5 cargo plane carries 6 marine containers from Nashville to Oakland.

1992: Textiles and trucking are among industries with the most at stake in the North American Free Trade Agreement.

1998: The Surface Transportation Board has approved the division of Conrail between Norfolk Southern and CSX, which will be left in control of most railroad traffic in the eastern half of the United States.

1971: The round-up of all imported autos into Jacksonville is near conclusion as the latest arrival of 785 Chrysler Colts enters the Port.

America’s mission to put a man on the moon draws one step closer to reality.

The color of the Mack Trucks bulldog carries special meaning. Gold means all of the key components were homemade. Chrome says others’ parts are on board. Now, it comes in black.