Overall, 2017 was a good year for the ocean shipping industry. It’s a big switch from 2016, when the bankruptcy of Hanjin, one of the largest container shipping providers, forced everyone to confront how volatile this industry really is. Now we are starting to see most carriers’ operating margins improve, driven mainly by robust demand, positive inventory developments, and higher rate levels. While this is very positive for the shipping industry, you have to wonder. Will the positive recovery continue? Or is this simply part of the cycle we’ve experienced between 2008 and today—a vicious cycle where carriers are truly profitable for only 3 to 4 years at a time? Read More…
Global Shipping Trends: What to Expect in 2017
The global logistics industry was dealt a year full of surprises in 2016, and with that came challenges. For most ocean carriers, the first three quarters were extremely challenging financially. While these financial pressures have been ongoing since 2009 due to several factors, overcapacity was certainly one of the most prevalent. Ocean carriers continue to see their average operating margin dip below zero as rates fell to their lowest levels since 2009. All of this mounted to the Hanjin bankruptcy, one of the largest container shipping bankruptcies in history. This action will continue to accelerate the carrier acquisition activities in 2017. Read More…
An Expanded Panama Canal Takes Logistics into Uncharted Waters
An Expanded Panama Canal Takes Logistics into Uncharted Waters.Connect
Editor’s note: This post originally ran in February. Since the Panama Canal opened this past Sunday, we wanted to share it with you again.
In December, the Port of Los Angeles handled the largest container ship ever to call at a North American port. The arrival of the Benjamin Franklin offers a glimpse of a major change in supply chain management in 2016.
Read More…
An Expanded Panama Canal Takes Logistics into Unchartered Waters
In December, the Port of Los Angeles handled the largest container ship ever to call at a North American port. The arrival of the Benjamin Franklin offers a glimpse of a major change in supply chain management in 2016.
Read More…