A Brief History of Packing and Shipping by Caitlyn Redwood
Look around you. The computer you're reading this on, the chair you're sitting in, and the coffee mug you're drinking from. What do these all have in common? Aside from being some sweet deals, you snagged from IKEA, these items are all packed and shipped for consumers like you and me to enjoy. However, we as people tend to brush aside the process it takes for things to wind up in our possession. Whether it be something you ordered online or a domestic shipment from a family member, the concept of shipping and packaging plays a major role in society.
Before we had the privilege of packaging and shipping products, the process of sending and receiving items overseas, cross country, and even across a state was tedious and inconvenient. The safety of our products was not guaranteed and there was no definite answer as to when our items would arrive. However, forms of “shipping” were being used long before we established our modernized versions. Ancient Egyptians utilized small boats to send small items down the Nile river and large cargo boats to transport large items. Because no one had ever used a boat to transport goods and items before, the Egyptians paved the way for future generations and were the basis of an important aspect of everyday life. They successfully portrayed the ingenious idea of shipping and influenced future globalization. Aside from marine shipping, the mid-19th century introduced the process of stagecoach package shipment. This involved transporting packages cross country using a horse as a form of transportation. While this may seem like an extremely unorthodox way to carry packages, it was normal during this time period as technology had not developed to provide motorized ground transportation. However, the inaccessibility and controversy that arose from this method of shipment resulted in its short-lived lifespan. With the dismissal of the stagecoach as a form of shipping transport, a new system needed to be implemented to keep up the circulation and business package shipment was receiving. That's when the railroad came into play and in 1889, we began using it to transport goods. Marked as one of the most popular forms of shipment during this time period, the railroad was fast, cheap, and efficient. The diversity in the wagon and car size allowed for items of all different sizes to be conveniently shipped, whereas before the only way to transport items on land was the stagecoach, and even then, the stagecoach could not sustain the weight of heavy packages. Not only did it provide quick service, but it also prioritized keeping packages safe and secure. The convenience of railroad transport resulted in its long run of business and use, but a few decades later another process was introduced. Railroad shipping transport thrived, however advancements in technology allowed for the development of new ideas and improvements. The year of 1911 brought us a new and fresh idea of cargo aircraft. Although it did not get more prominent until the 1920s, cargo by plane was very important because it carried items way too large to transport anywhere else, like automobiles. We still use cargo planes today to help transport large items between states and countries. A few years later, in 1913, parcel post came to light and many people began to familiarize themselves with this concept because it was the most convenient for common use. Parcel post allowed packages and mail to be delivered at the same time, all by the ease of automotive transport. This changed the entire ideology of shipping because it had never been performed in such a casual manner before. Fast forward to the past 20 years and automotive package transport is still a prominent use in society. Every day thousands of packages are shipped out and delivered in cars, buses, vans, etc.
In today's modern age, the process of shipping and packaging has evolved to allow us the privilege of transporting goods and important items practically whenever we please. The development and innovation of shipping and packaging have contributed to the success of many businesses. Ship Smart is a company that can exemplify what it means to take an idea and utilize it to the best of its ability. Spanning worldwide, Ship Smart gives multiple options for those looking to ship anything from furniture to antiques. By covering over 300 locations across the country, they can certainly assist you by any means possible. To ensure 100% satisfaction, Ship Smart imitates the manufacturing packaging process, resulting in professional and cautious service. There is no reason to fear your items are in danger when shipping with Ship Smart because they always provide the best service possible. With over 30 years in the moving industry, Ship Smart is a company that one should not even have to think twice about. It can be nerve-wracking sending items long distances, especially when that item may be expensive or valuable. But it has got to be done (unless you plan on strapping your vintage bookcase to the back of your mini cooper for that cross-country drive). That's why Ship Smart strives to make their customers feel comfortable and at ease during their entire experience.
Overall, the packaging and shipping industry has changed the way we see the world. It's a good feeling when we can send and receive packages without fear of them getting lost or damaged. While it is exciting having this privilege, none of it would be possible without the help from other shipping and packaging methods. Marine transport, stagecoach transport, railroad transport, automotive transport, and aircraft transport all play(ed) a role in our packaging and shipping systems today. As a matter of fact, we still use some of them currently, mostly for long distance and international exchanges. The whole concept of shipping and packaging was not created with the intent of being a difficult process. Allow yourself the ease of shipping smart and choose Ship Smart, the most diverse shipping and packaging company you will ever come across.