Break-bulk was the most common form of cargo for most of the history of shipping. Since the late 1960s, the volume of break-bulk cargo has declined dramatically, relative to containerized cargo, while the latter has grown exponentially worldwide. Containerizing makes cargo effectively more homogenous, like other bulk cargoes, and enables the same economies of scale. Moving cargo on and off ship in containers is much more efficient, allowing ships to spend less time in port.Container-Shipping: The next 50 Years – McKinsey (2017; PDF) p.3 & p.15 Containerization, once widely accepted, reduced shipping and loading costs by 80% to 90%. Break-bulk cargo also suffered from greater theft and damage.Malcolm McLean: Unsung Innovator Who Changed the World - American Business History Center
