CP Ships’ historic red and white checkered flag flying again

After 35 years, CP Ships has brought one of the shipping industry’s most well-known corporate symbols out of retirement, its famous red and white checkered flag.

An updated version of the flag makes its first appearance in the company’s recently-released 2002 Annual Report.

Originally introduced in 1891, the flag’s bold pattern was designed to stand out from other house flags of the day and to be readily recognizable whether or not the wind was blowing. The checkered flag was retired in 1968.

"However, its timeless design meant that, with just minor modification,it was ready to serve as a fitting symbol for a 21st century transportation leader," the ocean carrier recently decided. "And so, it is flying again, strengthening CP Ships’ modern-day corporate image and, at the same time, creating a link with its historic past."