United States Lines - 1950s-1980s

1950s-1980s

With government subsidy for her construction, the SS United States entered service in 1952. She was (and still is) the largest ocean liner built in the United States and the fastest ocean liner ever built. She immediately set transatlantic speed records, capturing the Blue Riband from the Queen Mary. But competition from airliners brought the glory days to an end; in 1964 America was sold to Chandris Line, and United States was withdrawn from service in 1969. (She is presently docked along the Delaware River in South Philadelphia.)

After the termination of passenger services, United States Lines continued to operate as a container ship line, being bought by containerization pioneer Malcom McLean in 1987. By the 1980s the line operated 43 vessels and was a leader in international shipping. It spent over $1B in rapidly expanding its fleet and acquiring two competitors but just as the new vessels were delivered international freight rates fell. The company filed for bankruptcy on 24 November 1986. Most of the vessels were sold to pay creditors and in the reorganization plan filed on 5 July 1988 the company was formally liquidated by 1992.

The name was revived briefly in 2000 and 2001 as a brand name of American Classic Voyages, but in October 2001 the company filed for bankruptcy.

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Remaining as artifacts left behind by the company are several piers in New York City. Pier 76, United States Lines Terminal, was constructed as a cargo pier on West Side Highway at what was then the foot of 36th Street, and is now in use by the NYPD. Neon letters spelling United States Lines are located on the west side of the pier, facing New Jersey. One letter I on the sign was working until 2002. The sign can be seen by the arriving NY Waterway ferry passengers or those taking the New York Circle Line water tour of Manhattan. As of 2008, the sign is badly deteriorated and in need of repair. The pier head building facing the street is also marked with the Line's name, at each end. Pier 86, United States Lines' passenger pier, still exists, although the pier building has been demolished. The USS Intrepid museum ship is now permanently berthed at the pier.