Everything Everywhere Daily · Wednesday, July 29, 2026
The development of canals in Britain, such as the Grand Canal in China and the Canal of the Pharaohs in Egypt, significantly lowered transportation costs. By around 1790, British canal freight averaged about 0.25 shillings per ton mile, an 80% reduction compared to 1700s wagon rates.
“However, what dropped costs even further than good roads was the development of canals.”
“A horse walking along a towpath could pull a barge carrying dozens of tons. That same horse might only be able to pull one or two tons on an ordinary road.”
“By about 1790, British canal freight averaged approximately 0.25 shillings per ton mile, in contrast to 17 shillings.”