The reading shows that liner-like shipping existed before steam whenever cargoes, routes, advertised ports, and approximate sailing schedules became predictable. East India, North American, West Indian, New Zealand, River Plate, and Australian trades all developed elements of regular packet service, while convoy systems could encourage vessels to move on common timetables. Wind, storms, wrecks, and long waits for favourable conditions still limited dependable schedules, even as composite construction improved sailing ships. Steam power and industrial demand then made regular monthly departures, faster transit, and large-scale passenger movement practical, allowing the modern liner system to dominate without having appeared from nothing.
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How sailing packets and steam created the liner system
A Lloyd's List reading traces scheduled maritime trade from early packet routes through sailing lines to reliable monthly steam services.