In The News

Inventor of the modern shipping container passes away

Inventor of the modern shipping container passes away

THE DEATH has taken place in the United States of Keith Tantlinger, who is credited with inventing the modern shipping container which transformed the way goods were sent around the world. He was 92.

Until Mr. Tantlinger came up with his design in the 1950s most goods were shipped in the holds of ships. A method which required large numbers of dockers to load and unload the cargoes — a process which was relatively slow. 

Goods in transit were also prone to theft and damage.

Mr. Tantlinger, who was an engineer, designed his container to be a sealed, secure unit which was able to be stacked both at dockside and on board ships.

His design dispensed with the need to warehouse goods prior to or immediately after shipping. 

The use of containers revolutionised the way goods were shipped around the world and also resulted in handling costs being reduced as a result of faster loading and unloading of ships.

Mr. Tantlinger’s design is credited with transforming the way international business was conducted.

 

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