FreightWaves’ most engaging history stories in 2022

FreightWaves Classics this year covered interesting but often lesser-known stories from the logistics world of the past

The first flight of the Douglas DC-3 also took place on Dec. 17, in 1935. (Photo: Stephen Yeates Photography)

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There has been a continuous stream of attention-grabbing news in freight and logistics over the past year. Some of the stories were unfortunate mishaps and negative breaking news, whereas others dealt with breakthroughs in technology and collaboration. But many called to mind similar events from years past.

FreightWaves Classics shared several stories that reminded us that history often repeats itself, others that taught valuable lessons and some that were just plain shocking. These articles spanned sectors including air cargo, ocean freight, trucking, rail and more. 

Here’s a look at some of FreightWaves Classics’ most talked about stories of 2022.

Recovery mission continues for cargo airplane — 70 years later

In 1952, a C-124 flew straight into a remote Alaskan mountaintop, killing all on board. Here’s the story of what it’s taking to bring the deceased’s remains home. Read more

The deadliest bridge collapse in modern history

Thursday marked the 55th anniversary of the Silver Bridge collapse in West Virginia and Ohio, regarded as the deadliest bridge collapse in modern history. A minor flaw in one of the eyebars, No. 330, that formed the suspension bridge caused it to fail, according to a video course at Open University. It was located on the Ohio side of the bridge. Read more

20-year mystery on the sea solved

The U.K.’s largest sunken merchant ship met a dramatic end. But no one knew what actually happened until 20 years after the disaster, thanks to the families of the crew who fought hard for answers. Read more

A look back at Old Shaky, the famed Douglas C-124 Cargomaster II 

As far as aircraft go, the Douglas C-124 Cargomaster II was a vital waymarker for the U.S. Air Force in the years following the Berlin Airlift, when U.S. and British air forces began airlifting food and fuel to a blockaded West Germany after World War II. Read more

Spruce Goose took flight 75 years ago

This year marked the 75th anniversary of the one and only flight of the Hughes Flying Boat, the so-called Spruce Goose. The aircraft was conceived during World War II, when there was a growing need to get men and supplies over to England and Allied ships were being sunk at an alarming rate by German submarines. Read more.

FreightWaves Classics articles look at various aspects of the transportation industry’s history. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter!

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The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

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Brielle Jaekel

Experienced journalist with roles including lead, deputy editor, managing editor, associate editor, staff reporter, staff writer, and editorial assistant.