Over its history, Farrell Lines adapted to significant industry changes, including the transition to containerized cargo and adjustments to financial and operational challenges.

[2] These actions aligned with the USSB’s goal of privatizing shipping operations and strengthening America’s role in global commerce and national defense.

[6] On December 10, 1925, John M. Franklin, representing the Farrell family and other investors, placed the winning bid of US$784,019.50 (equivalent to about $13,621,409 in 2023), securing the company and its vessels under the stipulated terms.

Together, these individuals leveraged their expertise to establish a company managing vital trade routes between the United States and Southern and East Africa.

With the line now under private ownership, the government recognized the need to provide subsidies to guarantee its viability and ensure continued U.S. representation on the route.

By resolution dated May 21, 1926, the USSB recommended to the United States Postmaster General that a mail transportation contract be awarded to the American South African Line under section 24 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920.

The contract was aimed at sustaining the liner service maintained by the company between New York and ports in the Cape Town-Beira range of British and Portuguese South and East Africa.

[7][5] This subsidy not only ensured the viability of the American South African Line, but also aligned with U.S. efforts to maintain a competitive merchant marine and assert economic influence on international trade routes.

[1][8] However, the same year, the Robin Line—founded by Arthur R. Lewis Sr. as a subsidiary of the Seas Shipping Company—shifted its focus from intercoastal trade to directly competing with the Farrell-controlled service to African ports.

Robin Line’s entry into the African trade triggered a rate war lasting until 1937, when the United States Maritime Commission (USMC) subsidies temporarily eased tensions.

The lines' vessels were requisitioned by the USMC for military use, supporting Allied logistics by transporting troops, equipment, and supplies.

[1][8] In 1947, the USMC authorized the American South African Line to purchase all outstanding shares of the Bloomfield Steamship Co., headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Prior to this acquisition, the American South African Line held a 20% stake in Bloomfield, representing a cash investment of US$240,000 (equivalent to about $3,274,873 in 2023).

This acquisition allowed the American South African Line to expand its fleet and integrate the Gulf-to-South Africa route into its broader operations.

[1][10] The decision reflected the company's expanded scope of operations, which now included regular services to ports on the east, west, and south coasts of Africa.

The original name, focused solely on South Africa, was deemed no longer descriptive of the comprehensive services provided by the company.

Its feeder fleet of four coastal vessels—M/V Kpo, M/V Farmington, M/V Cestos, and M/V Cavalla—provided essential supplies to Firestone Natural Rubber plantations and transported cargo to remote areas via Liberian National Airways.

These ships were specifically designed for the challenging conditions of West African coastal waters and rivers, contributing to the region's supply chain.

The vessels are owned under trust agreements benefiting Höegh Autoliners and are under charter to Maersk Line, Limited, which operates as the vessel-operating common carrier (VOCC).

Farrell Lines is an active participant in the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) Maritime Security Program (MSP) and the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA), exclusive programs designed to ensure the availability of U.S.-flagged vessels and intermodal resources during times of national emergency or military contingency.

Participation in these programs requires stringent qualification criteria and reflects Farrell Lines' strategic importance to U.S. national security and defense logistics.

The registered description of the house flag noted its rectangular shape, with the fly measuring 1.5 times the height of the hoist, and its distinctive white St. Andrew's Cross dividing the alternating blue and red field.

These containers were typically painted white, with the company's coat-of-arms logo displayed in full color on the upper left door.