Failure of Alliances to Lift Rates Could Hurt Shippers Long Term

If the global mega-shipping alliances launching in April don't drive compensatory freight rates, shippers will likely see more bankruptcies and mergers in the industry.

 If the alliances do not succeed in returning the liner shipping industry to profitability and more bankruptcies and mergers occur, the liners that remain will be very powerful and able to set freight rates at will, according to an article on JOC.com (subscription required).