Abstract
This paper explores subject of the increasing the size and mass of unit loads and its relationship to the development of transloading technology over the past 2000 years. It shows that the principles of development of these parameters have been important for carriers and for trade. Although the change of shape and construction materials for load units are very different from today's shipping containers, the same design rules apply. The reasons for the change of usage of some kinds of the load units in history relate to changes in technology and the availability of the construction materials. The industrial revolution created an increase in demand and stimulated mechanization of transloading technology. The first ‘bulk’ product to be successfully handled by crane was coal. Later developments in rail transport and steamships changed the geometry and capacity of transport vehicles, which stimulated the development of mechanical reloading techniques. Steam power used in many solutions increased the maximum payload of cranes. The development of electric power and motors for road transport further increased handling capacity, enabling greater size and mass of unit loads. Later, the big emigration from Europe to USA stimulated the creation of large unit loads and shipping containers for personal belongings and imports. The size and weight of unit loads lagged, but grew in direct proportion to the growth in lifting capacity, and mechanization reduced human labour required for transloading. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published Version
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