Container xChange

Supply chain professionals in the global container shipping industry expect more technology investment and positive growth in the market in 2024.

Shipping bottlenecks, increased costs, and disrupted deliveries could result in shifting transportation of goods from the Middle East as a result of the Israel-Hamas war.

A bump in imports to the U.S. could be on the horizon, following a strong back-to-school season that indicate cargo volumes could reach 2 million TEUs during September and October.

Low water levels have caused a backlog of container vessels at the Panama Canal, and that could impact the ability of businesses to restock inventories in time for the holiday shopping season.

More choppy waters ahead for ocean carriers.

Following a year of record revenue for carriers, shipping analysts see the pendulum swinging in the other direction, as rates are decreasing, volumes are falling, and new capacity is coming online.

After posting another record year of profits, worldwide recessionary and inflationary pressures are now chipping away at ocean carrier fortunes. As far as rates are concerned, our analysts suggest that shippers and freight forwarders will be able to do a little window shopping this year.

The ongoing Omicron variant-driven issues that have been plaguing key manufacturing and port hubs in China continue to raise supply chain concerns.