Exploring Cargo Culture: Understanding the Traditions and Customs of Shipping Industry
The shipping industry not only moves cargo from one place to another but also has its unique culture and traditions that have evolved over time. Each port has its way of working and unique customs that make it an interesting subject to explore. In this blog, we’ll examine cargo culture and understand what makes it a fascinating part of the shipping industry.
Defining Cargo Culture
Cargo culture is the customs, rituals, and behaviors that a crew of a ship or port workers develops over time as a result of working together. It involves a set of unwritten rules, which might be passed from one generation of employees to another.
These unwritten codes are essential to the smooth working of the port or shipping industry. The codes of conduct within a port/cargo culture dictate everything from the way workers interact with each other to how they handle customer complaints.
Understanding the Significance of Cargo Culture
Understanding cargo culture is crucial because it provides valuable insights into the processes and practices within a shipping industry. It is a way of reinforcing the shared values and beliefs of the workers, which results in a deep sense of belonging.
However, cargo culture can impede the progress of the industry if it is resistant to change or adaptation. This resistance can limit the adoption of new technologies or the exploration of new markets.
Customs and Traditions of Cargo Culture
Every industry has its unique customs and traditions, and the shipping industry is no exception. Some of the customs practiced in cargo culture include;
– Longshoreman handshake: A handshake with the forearm elevated above the elbow, signifying mutual respect.
– Welcome aboard drink: A drink offered to a sailor who has just returned to the port to reconnect and relax with the other crew members.
– Carrying steel: A tradition where a newly-appointed manager is required to carry a piece of steel across the port to prove their worth to the workforce.
Examples of Cargo Culture
One of the well-known examples of cargo culture is the West Coast Longshoremen’s Strike of 1934. The strike not only led to the establishment of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) but also changed the dynamics of the shipping industry.
Another example is the Maersk’s Triple E Class Container ships that have been built to meet the demands of the 21st-century cargo culture.
Conclusion
Cargo culture is an integral part of the shipping industry, and understanding it is necessary to appreciate the hard work that goes into every shipment. It influences the work ethic of the employees, shapes the relationship between workers, and reinforces their shared values.
However, adapting to changing times and technologies is equally essential. Keeping an open mind to change will ensure that cargo cultures remain efficient and adaptable while also preserving their important traditions and customs.
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