Abstract
On April 26, 1956, the "Ideal X" cast off from Port Newark, New Jersey, for Houston, Texas, specially equipped to carry 56 trailer-truck bodies, the first containers, and launched a revolution that has transformed and stimulated the growth of U.S. and world trade. The author traces the origin and development of the intermodal freight innovation by Malcom McLean, the evolution of the vessel designs, the efficiencies achieved, and the obstacles overcome in creating and shaping a now-global industry.