A sharp increase in imports from Asia, declining back-haul volume, and congestion delaying the return of empties is slowing down the repatriation of equipment back to Asia.
While the White House has signaled support and Republicans hold a majority on the US Surface Transportation Board, opposition has surfaced that has many believing the $85 billion merger is not necessarily a done deal.
Tobias Meyer said companies are starting to consider offloading Asia export cargo at ports in the Indian subcontinent for eventual onward shipment into the Gulf region, but it has not yet emerged as a trend.
