National Free Ship Day

A person wearing a captain's hat, surrounded by packages and smiling with excitement.. — National free ship day illustration

Ahoy there! Grab your captain's hat and set sail because it's National Free Ship Day! This joyous occasion celebrates all things shipping-related, from free deliveries to the excitement of receiving packages on your doorstep. Whether you're awaiting a surprise gift or just love the sound of bubble wrap popping, this is the perfect day to indulge your inner mail carrier.

When is Free Ship Day?

It's national free ship day on the 16th December.

A Brief History of National Free Ship Day

Ever wondered how National Free Ship Day came to be? Well, let me drop some knowledge on you like a well-packaged parcel. The internet has played a significant role in the rise of this delightful holiday.

It all started when online retailers realized the power of free shipping as a marketing tool. People go crazy for free stuff, and when you throw in the word 'shipping', it's like an exclamation point made out of gift wrap.

One of the earliest mentions we found online was on December 16, 2016, when the internet erupted with posts celebrating the wonders of free shipping. From that point on, National Free Ship Day sailed its way into our hearts (and online shopping carts).

How to Celebrate National Free Ship Day

There are many ways to honor this shipping extravaganza. Here are a few ideas to get your creative shipping juices flowing:

Order a surprise gift for a loved one and have it shipped directly to their door. Nothing says 'I care' like a package showing up out of the blue.
Treat yourself to something special online and revel in the glory of free shipping. It's like winning a race without having to leave your couch.
Host a virtual unboxing party with friends. Get on a video call, open your packages together, and marvel at each other's purchases. It's all about the shared excitement, even if you can't physically be together.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the world's largest ship is longer than the Empire State Building is tall? Yup, it's true! The mighty Prelude FLNG (Floating Liquefied Natural Gas) takes the crown with its whopping length of 1,601 feet (488 meters). That's a whole lot of shipping power!

History behind the term 'Free Ship'

1340

Emergence of Privateering

Privateering was a common practice during the medieval period, where privately owned ships were commissioned by governments to engage in warfare, specifically to capture enemy ships and seize their cargo. This marked the beginning of the concept of 'free ship,' where a ship flying the flag of a nation at war would be protected from capture.

1648

Peace of Westphalia

The Peace of Westphalia marked the end of the Thirty Years' War and significantly impacted the concept of 'free ship.' It established the principle of freedom of navigation, stating that enemy vessels could freely sail through neutral waters without fear of being captured by belligerent nations.

1856

Paris Declaration

The Paris Declaration was a global agreement signed by various nations to regulate maritime warfare. It introduced important principles regarding the status of neutral ships and goods during times of war. One of these principles was the concept of 'free ship,' which ensured that neutral vessels would be immune from capture unless they were engaged in illicit activities, such as smuggling contraband.

1907

Hague Convention VII

Hague Convention VII, an international treaty, further solidified the concept of 'free ship.' It declared that enemy cargo, with the exception of contraband and goods directly intended for military use, was protected on board a neutral vessel. This convention aimed to protect innocent trade during times of war, thereby limiting the adverse effects of maritime conflicts on global commerce.

1982

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

UNCLOS, a comprehensive treaty that governs various aspects of the world's oceans, reaffirmed the concept of 'free ship.' It emphasized the freedom of navigation and provided guidelines for the protection of neutral vessels during armed conflicts. UNCLOS created a framework for resolving maritime disputes and further ensured the safety and autonomy of ships operating within international waters.