Modern containers are discharged, then transferred to stacktrains.

Creating an Intermodal Network
“Seaton recognized that if APL were to utilize the new container technology fully, it must extend control from the ocean shipment link in the transportation process to the domestic or landbridge link within North America,” according to Niven. This meant creating a seamless connection between the three modes of surface transportation — ship, train, and truck — so that shipments could move with greater speed and reliability than ever before.

Known as intermodalism, this expansion on the concept of containerization would not only bring the transportation industry into the present, but would also greatly facilitate future growth.

To achieve this seamless transportation network, Seaton relied on his ability to bring together people from what had traditionally been regarded as separate industries to work on a common goal. He aggressively recruited rail and truck transportation experts to work with international shipping specialists at APL. The result was the “stacktrain,” an innovation that doubled train capacity by stacking containers, two high, on specially designed railcars.

	In addition to stacktrain technology, APL also introduced 45-, 48-, and 53-foot containers to the transportation industry.

With the advent of the stacktrain in 1984, APL introduced the concept of containerization to the U.S. domestic transportation industry. This paved the way for the precise integration of domestic and international shipments and solidified APL’s reputation as a market leader in brain power.

The Legacy Continues
The momentum of the Seaton years has continued at APL with significant innovations in naval architecture and terminal operations. To learn more about the company’s recent history — including how APL has used information technology to enable customers to work smarter — please continue to Prosper.