Should shippers and ocean carriers have seen the bankruptcy of Hanjin Shipping Co. Ltd. coming?

Analyst Insight: U.S. shippers have had ample reasons to be frustrated with the international supply chain in recent years. The industry has incurred multiple disruptions and increasing operating complexity that is likely to get worse before it gets better - unless we change the way we approach these challenges. – Adriene Bailey, chief strategy officer, Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc.

Analyst Insight: The findings from the 25th Annual Trends and Issues in Transportation and Logistics suggest that three complex supply chain elements - transportation, technology, and organizational structure - have companies waiting before committing to transformation changes in these areas. However, waiting too long to make a decision will result in a competitive disadvantage that will be difficult to overcome in a global economy. Understanding the interplay and interconnectedness of the three elements is essential in determining the path forward. – Mary Collins Holcomb, SCM professor, University of Tennessee, and Karl Manrodt, logistics and SCM professor, Georgia College and State University

Analyst Insight: Slow post-recessionary recovery has fostered uncertainty in many markets, but few have felt the effects as strongly as deep sea cargo transportation. The market's emblem - an ancient, laboring ship that is slow to adapt to obstacles in its path - has become an apt metaphor for the market itself. Financial risk, absent demand and volatile inputs indicate that container shippers may be caught in a bubble - one that IBISWorld anticipates will burst by 2020 unless shippers change course. – Ashley Cruz, research analyst, IBISWorld Inc.