My name is Pierce McDonnell. Tri-Stone Trade Publications is a personal project that brings together my interests in maritime history, global trade, and the practical realities of how goods move.
Background
I studied mathematics, but found my way into international shipping, where I now work in trade management with Neptune Pacific, supporting cargo flows between the United States and Pacific Island markets.
These are places where supply chains are not abstract—they are visible, essential, and often fragile. Everything from food to household goods travels thousands of miles before reaching store shelves.
That experience has shaped how I think about trade: not just as an economic system, but as a physical and human one.
Why This Project
Tri-Stone Trade Publications started as a way to explore questions that don't always fit into day-to-day work:
- How did historical maritime networks function?
- What can older trade systems tell us about today's supply chains?
- How do geography and infrastructure shape market outcomes?
At the same time, it serves as a place to document ongoing involvement in maritime history and research, including activities connected to the China Maritime Museum.
The Name "Tri-Stone"
"Tri-Stone" is a reference to my Chinese name, 磊 (Lěi), which is composed of three stones stacked together.
It's a simple image, but a meaningful one—something built layer by layer. That idea carries through the project: combining different perspectives (history, observation, and practice) into a more complete understanding of trade.
Looking Forward
While this is primarily a writing and research project, I am also interested in connecting with businesses and individuals working in global sourcing, logistics, and trade.
Areas of Interest
- Supplier identification and sourcing
- Trade flows involving niche or remote markets
- General perspectives on international shipping and logistics
Get in Touch
This project is ongoing and evolving. If any of the work resonates, or if you're interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out.
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