Consolidation of container carriers and the realignment of ship alliances are commercial developments of significant magnitude, and point to a trio of critical priorities that industry and government must immediately address: advocating the benefits of free trade, engaging governments and the public more effectively, and advocating for shipping and ports to be part of any infrastructure agenda.
Admittedly, there are skeptics to arguments supporting unfettered global commerce, but the evidence unquestionably shows eliminating barriers to trade provides far more gains than losses. It is imperative to tell that story forcefully, repeatedly, and with meaningful anecdotes in order for our industry to survive and our economy to grow. Furthermore, cold, hard facts will buttress examples of the gains trade creates, and the entire international trade and transportation community should think about how establishing metrics and sharing data can increase confidence that trade is a “win-win” proposition.
While the enduring dismal financial state of carriers is well known, shipping lines should no longer view communications campaigns directed at government officials and the greater public as avoidable expenditures. Rather, they should be viewed as business necessities. Without convincing key audiences around the world of the importance of trade and the necessity of a healthy shipping sector, people will not benefit from the perspective of those most expert to opine on a system that keeps the global economy functioning. Even more worrisome, absent the benefit of those arguments, we may actually be aiding in creating a generation of people who oppose this industry and the economic system it serves.
Of course, the ocean container moves on an intermodal transportation system that can be easily overwhelmed. Any infrastructure development strategy that the new administration pursues must include ports and related intermodal links that serve our global trading system. It is incumbent upon each of us to assure projects that support freight movement, particularly at the sea-to-land handover, are not only considered, but funded. Such projects will provide an immediate economic stimulus, and, over the much longer term, will keep the US a global leader in manufacturing and trade.