Maritime Archive and Library

Cargo

The changing face of cargo transportation, from master lumpers to containerisation

Temporary archive display, until 31 January 2010

Loading Indian Railway Locomotives onto Beldis, Christen Smith Co, at Birkenhead, 1924. Image reference MDHBPHO/3027

Despite its reputation as an port of emigration, the majority of vessels that have passed through the port of Liverpool have been cargo ships, and this is certainly still true today.

The Maritime Archives and Library collects documents and photographs relating to the maritime history of Liverpool and much of the material relates to the movement of goods around the world. This temporary display contained a few items from our collections, including photographs and documents.

The key document of cargo transportation, a Bill of Lading, acts as a receipt acknowledging the shipment of cargo in good order to be delivered in the same condition. The display featured an example from 1751, which includes a prayer to deliver the ship to port in safety. In contrast there was also an example from 1988 , which contains an entire page of terms and conditions in small type on the reverse.

Also on display were also details of wage rates for dockers and a Certificate of Master Stevedore and Master Lumper issued by Mersey Docks and Harbour Board in 1871. Stevedores and lumpers are employed specifically in getting cargoes on or off board vessels, rather than moving it around warehouses etc.

Unloading frozen meat by sling onto an electric truck, Port of Liverpool, 1923. Image reference MDHBPHO/1952