Capacity is stretched thin and costs for fuel and drivers are accelerating, and that's not likely to change in the near term. It's time that businesses become more strategic in their transportation decisions.
Though the market advantage has shifted away from shippers, DuPont still manages to acquire ocean services that provide competitive advantage across its supply chains.
Companies manufacturing in China must choose whether to ship through Hong Kong or the mainland. Business and government leaders in Hong Kong are promoting the territory as the better choice in supply-chain management.
Shipping alliances allow carriers to realize economies of scale while providing customers with more frequent sailings and faster transit times. Some critics, however, question the competitive results.