283custody of the port organization are the loads broken down and the packages handled separately. Even that is not always necessary, however, for at isolated places the practice has already begun for dock-owned pallets to go to consignee for unloading.
FUTURE TRENDSIt is true to say, of course, that the mechanized methods described are so far being fully employed only at certain pioneer berths. Nevertheless, the modern trend is now clear. For piece goods, it is unit-load handling instead of individual package handling-to effect savings in time, space, money, and arduous labour.The evolution of this method is already far enough advanced to affect not only the types of port equipment required and the layout of quays, sheds, and warehouses but also, in the general industrial world, goods-packaging, transport-vehicle design, and the pattern of factory and other premises. There is little doubt that, it will ultimately affect ship construction.In maritime countries, speed of ship discharging and loading, with care of cargo and safety of personnel, is essential t o the national economy and, although existing kinds of equipment are being improved daily, it is from the new-type appliances that the more dramatic benefits are expected. When these accrue, the recipients will not only be the port employers and the shipping companies, they will include manufacturers, shippers, receivers, haulage and lighterage contractors, many groups of work-people and, it is hoped, the consumer. The Paper, which was received on the 18th October, 1955, is accompanied by eight photographs and one drawing from which the half-tone page plates and the
