For nearly 70 years, the backbone of the global economy has rested upon the shoulders of the Intermodal Shipping Container.
By ship, rail and truck, 90% of all non-bulk cargo worldwide is transported in an Intermodal Shipping Container freight. The average container, when used for shipping purposes, has a commitment of 10 to 12 years. Regardless of age, When upcycled, shipping containers provide endless space solutions and renewed purpose.
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History of Containerization in North Carolina
American Businessman & Transport Entrepreneur
Developed the Modern Intermodal Shipping Container
Revolutionized Transport & International Trade
Known as the Founder of ‘Containerization’
Nov. 14 1913 - May 25, 2001
Local Roots
Born in Maxton, NC (Only 100 miles from Wilmington’s Ports)
Attended High School in Winston-Salem
Founded the McLean Trucking Co based in Red Spring, NC
Malcolm Purcell McLean
In the 1950s, Malcolm Purcell McLean began developing plans to move cargo along the U.S. coastline by packing his company trucks on ships. Dubbed “trailer ships,” the design demonstrated obvious inefficiencies with wasted potential cargo space.
To maximize space, Mclean designed the first ‘Containership’ or ‘Box Ship.’ This innovative design made history, and on April 26, 1956, one of the converted tankers (SS Ideal-X) sailed from North Carolina to New York. On deck were 58 35-foot ‘Trailer Vans” - later re-coined ‘Containers.’
