Monthly Archives for January 2017

Chinese consortium pours 0 million into logistics property developer Asia logistics real estate developer and operator e-Shang Redwood has closed a $300 million equity investment by a consortium of Chinese investors as it builds on the rapid development of e-commerce in the region. The investors include GF Investments (HK), Huarong… Chinese consortium pours 0 million […]

Failure of alliances to lift rates to hurt shippers long-term If the global mega-shipping alliances launching in April don’t drive compensatory freight rates, shippers should expect more bankruptcies and mergers, much like the airline industry has experienced over… Failure of alliances to lift rates to hurt shippers long-term Journal of Commerce

Alibaba expands global logistics network with WCA partnership Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has taken another step into the world of freight transport, concluding a cross-border e-commerce cooperation agreement with the world’s largest logistics network, WCA Ltd.The collaboration will begin… Alibaba expands global logistics network with WCA partnership Journal of Commerce

Uncertainty delays Asia-Europe ocean contracting The main contract cycle for Asia-Europe rates that usually begins late in the year appears to have been delayed, which could be an indication that container lines expect to be holding a stronger hand at the negotiating table… Uncertainty delays Asia-Europe ocean contracting Journal of Commerce

Slide show: Top waves hitting ocean shippers in 2017 2016 was one of the wildest years in container shipping history. Within one year the industry witnessed the largest bankruptcy in liner history with Hanjin Shipping, historically low spot rates, the narrowing of the Top 20 global container lines to 14, and the dramatic reorganization of […]

Liner profitability years off Overcapacity will burden container shipping at least another five years and low freight rates mean it will not be a profitable business, which will drive further consolidation in the industry.This is the grim prediction of Sanne Manders, chief… Liner profitability years off Journal of Commerce

Shippers prioritize risk mitigation in 2017 After suffering five straight quarters of financial losses in their global operations, according to Alphaliner, ocean carriers will attempt to negotiate higher service contract rates in 2017 despite lingering overcapacity. They just might pull it off. However, when it comes to the eastbound trans-Pacific, the largest US trade lane, […]

New alliances to challenge global supply chains The realignment of the four global vessel-sharing alliances into three larger and more powerful alliances can be viewed as the shipping industry’s latest attempt to cut costs and increase leverage in a cutthroat environment. The impact of… New alliances to challenge global supply chains Journal of Commerce

US-Mexico transport cost to rise on fuel price hikes The cost of cross-border shipping between the US and Mexico is set to rise as Mexican trucking operators react to a 13 to 20 percent increase in fuel costs imposed this week. New fuel prices set by Mexico’s federal government Jan. 1 sparked massive protests and […]

Asia-Europe spot rates fall from high Spot rates on the Asia to Europe and the Mediterranean fell this week after year-end highs, and while the decline was small, it was at this point last year that the rates went into a free fall that… Asia-Europe spot rates fall from high Journal of Commerce