International Freight Markets in the 1830s and 1840s: The Experience of a Major Finnish Shipowner

Abstract
This chapter challenges the assumption that international freight markets were not possible until the advent of steam shipping and telegraph communication, instead arguing that much of the framework was developed during the age of sail. It accomplishes this by examining the everyday business practices of freight markers during the 1830s and 1840s, particularly the source material from the life and records of Finnish shipowner, Peter Malm Jr. The analysis of his records shows that shipping efficiency did improve during the period, through an increased speed of communication, integration of freight and commodity markets, and a decrease in time spent in docks (demonstrating an improvement in cargo handling). However, the author notes that Malm’s successes were typical or atypical, and may not be fully representative of the industry.

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