Cargoccino BONUS: Summer Supply Chain Trivia --- 1. Who’s considered the father of containerization?
Malcom McLean, an American trucking entrepreneur, is credited with inventing containerized shipping in the 1950s. He launched the first container ship, the Ideal X, in 1956. --- 2. What does the Incoterm “FOB” stand for?
Free On Board, Under FOB, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the port and loading them onto the vessel. Risk transfers to the buyer once the cargo is on board. --- 3. What’s the maximum TEU capacity of the largest ship afloat in 2025?
As of mid-2025, the MSC Irina and her sister ship MSC Loreto each have a maximum capacity of approximately 24,346 TEUs, making them the largest container ships in operation. --- 4. Which U.S. port handled the highest volume of containerized imports in 2024?
Port of Los Angeles retained its top position in 2024, handling the highest volume of containerized imports in the U.S., closely followed by the Port of Newark and Long Beach. --- 5. What does BAF stand for in shipping cost structures?
Bunker Adjustment Factor, A surcharge added to ocean freight rates to account for fuel price fluctuations. --- 6. When did the Panama Canal expansion officially open?The expansion, known as the Third Set of Locks, officially opened on June 26, 2016. --- 7. Which organization sets the official Incoterms rules?
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is responsible for publishing and updating the official Incoterms rules. --- 8. What’s a blank sailing?
A blank sailing (or void sailing) is when a carrier cancels a scheduled port call or entire voyage, often to reduce capacity during low demand or adjust schedules. --- 9. Who were the top two U.S. trade partners by volume in 2024?
Based on total trade volume in 2024, the top two were: China Mexico
(Canada remains close depending on the category, but China and Mexico led in containerized goods.) --- 10. What is a freight audit, and why is it suddenly a C-suite issue?
A freight audit is the process of validating containerized invoices for accuracy (charges, surcharges, terms). In 2025, it's become a C-suite issue because: Overcharges and missed credits can quietly erode millions in profit. Tariff volatility and vendor pricing inconsistencies demand transparency. AI-powered audits now provide insights that impact procurement, budgeting, and cost forecasting.
