Cargo Chronicles: 10 Documentaries on Global Shipping

Description: While not exclusively about cargo transport, this series often features roads crucial for the movement of goods, showcasing the perilous journeys undertaken by truck drivers and the impact on logistics.

Fact: The series has been praised for its raw depiction of the challenges faced by drivers in remote and hazardous locations.

Description: This documentary series takes viewers inside the high-stakes world of container auctions, where buyers bid on unopened shipping containers, hoping to strike it rich with the contents. It's a thrilling look at the gamble and the global trade of goods.

Fact: The show was inspired by the real-life phenomenon of container auctions, where the contents are often a mystery until the winning bid is placed.

Description: Although primarily a drama, this Russian film uses the backdrop of cargo transport to explore themes of corruption and moral decay during the late Soviet era, offering a unique perspective on the logistics of that time.

Fact: The title "Cargo 200" refers to the Soviet military code for the transportation of soldiers' bodies.

Description: While not strictly about cargo transport, this Australian film uses the backdrop of a cargo ship to tell a gripping story of survival and human connection, highlighting the often overlooked lives of those who work in the shipping industry.

Fact: The film was shot on a real cargo ship, providing an authentic setting for the story.

Description: Explore the bustling activity of the world's most significant ports, from Shanghai to Rotterdam, and see how they manage the flow of goods that keep the global economy moving. This documentary provides an insider's view of port operations.

Fact: The documentary features interviews with port workers, customs officials, and logistics experts, giving a comprehensive view of port operations.

Description: This documentary explores the revolutionary impact of the shipping container on global trade, detailing how it transformed logistics and made international trade more efficient.

Fact: The film is based on the book by Marc Levinson, which delves into the history and economic implications of containerization.

Description: A deep dive into Europe's largest port, this documentary showcases the daily operations, the technological advancements, and the economic significance of Rotterdam in global trade.

Fact: The port of Rotterdam is known for its innovative approach to sustainability, which is highlighted in the film.

Description: This documentary examines the phenomenon of cargo cults in the South Pacific, where islanders built makeshift airstrips and towers in hopes of attracting cargo planes, offering a cultural perspective on the desire for goods.

Fact: The film explores the psychological and anthropological aspects of cargo cults, linking them to broader themes of globalization.

Description: Focused on the retail side of cargo transport, this documentary follows the operations of The Container Store, a company that specializes in storage and organization products, showing how goods are sourced and transported.

Fact: The film highlights the company's commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.

Description: This film investigates the hidden spaces of global capitalism, focusing on the maritime industry and the lives of those who work in it, offering a critical look at the logistics of cargo transport.

Fact: The documentary was co-directed by Allan Sekula, a noted photographer and filmmaker known for his work on labor and globalization.