Watch Now


Navigating the impossible: The dangerous plan to connect 2 oceans

Tens of thousands died during the construction of the Panama Canal

FreightWaves Classics is sponsored by Old Dominion Freight Line — Helping the World Keep Promises. Learn more here.

On this week’s episode of Tracks Through Time, Deputy Editor Brielle Jaekel brings on fellow FreightWavesTV host Thomas Wasson to talk about the construction of the Panama Canal 119 years after its commencement. The project, while an important part of trade, was far deadlier than most people realize.

Find out why it was so deadly and how engineers were able to achieve major feats to build one of the most important canals in history.


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

Have a topic you want me to cover? Email me at bjaekel@freightwaves.com or follow me on Twitter.

Brielle Jaekel

Brielle is the deputy editor of Freight Waves and has a more-than-10-year history in B2B publishing, tackling cutting edge stories in business, with four years specifically focused on freight. She’s interviewed numerous CEOs and is adept at finding stories that matter to the industry. She believes in finding a new way forward in the supply chain to solve problems, drive sustainability and put people first. If you’d like to get in touch with Brielle, please email her at bjaekel@freightwaves.com.