Container Shipping Growth Rates Remain High, But Analysts Predict Drop

NEWARK, N.J., Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- August through October typically marks the highest shipping annual point, with volumes reflecting the U.S. import of goods to stock store shelves for the holidays. This year, however, it looks as if the peak may have passed before it even arrived. A growing field of research analysts, industry observers and even shipping executives is predicting a slowdown in growth deeper into the year after a strong rebound in shipping volume in the second quarter.

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(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100816/NY51116)

The first half of the year has been one of double-digit growth for cargo, as retailers finally restocked shelves and shippers, nervous about potential capacity shortages, decided to move their holiday season goods earlier than usual, shifting the annual peak shipping season to July. As August comes to a close, however, PIERS Global Intelligence Solutions, a sister company to The Journal of Commerce, expects year-to-year growth in container imports to cool from as estimated 17.6 percent rate in the second quarter to 7.8 percent in the third quarter and 1.4 percent in the fourth quarter. Unemployment, tight credit and underwater mortgages, will continue to hurt import volumes in the months ahead.

"No one seems to be predicting a slump to the volumes of 2009," reports The Journal of Commerce Cover Story. "While consumer spending generates 70 percent of U.S. economic activity, economists note container volumes also include industrial components and foodstuffs with limited sensitivity to consumer demand."

This week, The Journal of Commerce analyzes the outlook for the remainder of the year in U.S. containerized shipping markets, and the ripple effect it might have through ports, intermodal rail and truck distribution on the back end of the delivery cycle.

To view daily news visit www.joc.com. For all media enquires, including article reprints, please contact Editorial Director Paul Page.

Since 1827, The Journal of Commerce has been the most trusted source of intelligence for international logistics executives to help them plan global supply chains and better manage day-to-day transportation of goods and commodities in the United States and internationally.

To become a member of The Journal of Commerce click here. JOC members have access to our weekly print and digital magazine and Web site, as well as a 10% discount on all JOC events and trade shows, UBM Global Trade Directories and select PIERS products. Authoritative editorial content in the form of daily news, weekly analysis and regular features ensure our members have the information and data necessary to understand the issues facing trucking, rail and maritime transportation. Members enjoy access to "By the Numbers," an exclusive weekly compilation of key industry statistics that provides detailed views of current market trends across all modes. Regular market intelligence reports -- utilizing PIERS trade data -- include Top 100 Imports and Exporters, quarterly Top 40 Container lines, Trans-Pacific and Trans-Atlantic Maritime Forecasts and Top Container Ports and Terminals. Market-sector supplements, including Breakbulk, Cool Cargoes, 3PL, JOC Guide to Trucking and others, ensure all modes are comprehensively covered.  

About UBM Global Trade - UBM Global Trade is the leading provider of proprietary data, news, business intelligence and analytical content supporting commercial maritime, rail, trucking, warehousing and logistics industries worldwide. The company's portfolio of more than 100 online, print and interactive workflow business solutions includes The Journal of Commerce, Breakbulk, RailResource, PIERS Global Intelligence Solutions and an array of international trade and transportation databases and directories. UBM Global Trade, a subsidiary of United Business Media Limited, is headquartered in Newark, NJ, with offices throughout the United States. For more information, explore www.ubmglobaltrade.com or call 800-223-0243 (+1-973-848-7250 outside the U.S. or Canada).

SOURCE The Journal of Commerce

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