Annual Review and Outlook

In many respects, ports across North America are a bellwether for the health of the overall economy.

While the world worries about the impact of the economic and trade crises, it is important that those in the port business remain optimistic for the medium- and long-term perspective.

One significant change I expect in the liner shipping business in 2009 is the greater ability and willingness of carriers to adjust vessel capacity in response to lower demand.

I’m not one to beat around the bush, or say everything is coming up roses when it’s not. We’re in a global recession.

The various valid areas of importance that have been pointed to in this edition in recent years have not suddenly become unimportant as a result of the recent global economic turmoil, but now they mus

2009 will be another rock-and-roll year for the liner shipping industry.

Reflecting on the economic crisis of 2008, we are probably just beginning to understand the magnitude of the changes that are happening around us.

Rate stability for the ocean container industry faces a bleak future in 2009. Ocean freight rates are under extreme pressure on most routes as cargo demand falters.

As some of the nation’s largest companies and industries experience slowdowns because of the weakening economy, ports nationwide must proceed with caution while remaining optimistic in this unpr

The economic crisis clouds the horizon and forces the rethinking of everyone’s business plans for 2009 and beyond.

In 2009, and by virtue of our turbulent global economy, the universal watchwords in our industry will be “cost savings.” From an information technology perspective, this will drive initiat

Entering 2009, we will see continued reversal of the inflationary headwinds that have driven commodity prices higher in the past few years.

2009 should be a very interesting year for everyone. The changing compliance requirements for transportation in the U.S. have created a great deal of opportunity for logistics providers.

The commercial inland marine niche of the property-casualty insurance industry is never lacking for issues and challenges that confront underwriters of domestic transportation insurance.

As we enter 2009, there is a great deal of uncertainty in global markets that is causing concern for both the ocean carrier and container-leasing industries.

In the current global economy and political environment, there are two main concerns facing importers, exporters and the vendors who support them. The first is managing cost.

If the global financial crisis and resulting repercussions to the shipping industry have shown us anything, it is that we must be ready for the unexpected.

2009 will be a perilous year for the container shipping industry: The trickle of bankruptcies seen during 2008 may develop into a tsunami.

The overwhelming priority in 2009 for supply-chain managers dealing with international commodity trades will be a singular attention to risk management.

As the industry continues to focus on building larger ships and expanding ports to serve these vessels, those in the world of e-commerce are working in contrary we are working to make assets smaller.

The meltdown of financial markets after the mortgage industry’s crash will herald some novel challenges for the port industry, especially for Gulf and East Coast ports eyeing the Panama Canal&rs

When considering the global trade environment in 2009, there are a number of potential issues looming that can disrupt global supply chains, sourcing strategies and the flow of working capital.

As economic growth contracts, so must the services offered by ocean carriers. Unlike so many businesses, carrier assets are mobile and can be redeployed or laid up if conditions mandate.

I expect 2009 to be a very challenging year because of the difficult economic times we face and the consolidation of companies through mergers and acquisitions.

I expect 2009 to be a very challenging year because of the difficult economic times we face and the consolidation of companies through mergers and acquisitions.

A couple of years ago, we announced a five-year plan stating that revenue would grow 10 to 14 percent compounded annually, with the primary driver being new business opportunities.

2009 will be more difficult than last year for the barging industry. The U.S. economy is in a recession that may last for several more quarters.

Global trading volumes have been declining since the fourth quarter of 2007. From a global perspective, the volatile environment did not take place overnight.

In 2009, we will finally obtain the heightened benefits provided by the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program and begin to realize the benefits from enhanced cargo information as req

The most challenging of times often present the greatest opportunities for change. Many past practices will be reviewed to determine what is essential.

While 2009 may be a challenging year for the shipping industry, we know that tough times don’t last.

The ongoing and ever-increasing attention to energy use and environmental stewardship will have beneficial consequences for at least some sectors of the shipping industry.

The year ahead puts our industry at the center of several major front-line issues and opportunities.

2008 proved to be a difficult and challenging climate for most businesses no matter their size, industry, years in service, customer base or financial stability.

This year promises to be one of the most challenging in recent memory for container shipping and its associated industries.

As 2008 falls into our rear-view mirrors, we enter a 2009 full of change: change in the government, change in the global economy, and change in the industry.

In 2009, a growing shift to multimodal transport in logistics and international supply chains will be more visible and provide a greater range of options and cost-effectiveness for shippers.

One constant in this industry is change, but I have never seen circumstances change as fast as we did in the last quarter of 2008.

On Oct. 18, all European-based conferences were disbanded.

With the lackluster trade data of 2008 fast becoming a memory, the question of what we have to look forward to for 2009 jumps to the fore. Will it be more (or worse) of the same? Slight recovery?