The history of shipping in the United States set the stage for the complex and efficient intermodal systems the world uses today. The consumer demand for faster and more efficient shipping gave us inventions such as the assembly line, airplanes, and fifth-wheel coupling. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are practically becoming Holidays in themselves. Parcel services are beefing up their staff as Cyber Monday 2013 sales are expected to be 17-20% higher than last year. Shipping volumes and innovation show no signs of slowing down. Amazon is looking to change the face of parcel with their new Amazon Prime Air shipping service.
While helicopters haven’t been widely used in the history of shipping, the United States used ships, covered wagons, trains, planes, and automobiles to deliver our goods in the 20th century. Our complex system of airports, shipping ports, train yards, and truck stops is second to none. Many of the ports built in early America developed to be some of the largest in the world today. The Port of Los Angeles was discovered in 1542, and is now the 16th largest port in the world.
Want more U.S. shipping history? We assembled some of the most important discoveries, milestones, and establishments in the history of shipping in the United States in this infographic. Check it out!
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