Final answer:
Intermediate bulk containers are the portable packaging designed for mechanical handling that have revolutionized shipping and manufactoring by allowing for more efficient transport across various modes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rigid or flexible portable packaging designed for mechanical handling is intermediate bulk containers. These containers changed the shipping and manufacturing industry by facilitating the transport of goods across different modes of transport like trucks, trains, and ships. They are known for being stackable and reducing the need for constant loading and unloading, which is referred to as 'breaking bulk', thereby saving on labor costs and time.
This innovation led to increased efficiency in the transportation of goods which made it cheaper to move products across great distances, ultimately fostering global trade and affecting local manufacturing sectors due to heightened overseas competition. Intermediate bulk containers are a testament to how a simple solution can have a profound impact on economics and industry practices.