Shippers can expect greater capacity management from container shipping lines going into 2019 as the carriers try to better match supply with demand and lift rates in an unforgiving high fuel-cost environment. Those cuts could even be more severe in 2020, based on global volume health and whether carriers can recoup higher fuel costs from the global low-sulfur rule or are forced to slash capacity in response.
Carriers withdrew capacity on both the trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe trades ahead of the peak-season third quarter. While the effects were limited on the European trades, Asia-US spot rates have soared.
