As of April 1, 2017 there will be three global container shipping alliances and all three are operating with a similar capacity of container space.  The competition caused by this equality in capacity will cause continued rate volatility in 2017.  The Hanjin bankruptcy was a wakeup call for many importers and carriers are focusing on value propositions to importers hoping they will not only consider lowest cost carriers but focus on reliability and stability as well. Additional details are available at: http://www.joc.com/maritime-news/expect-new-alliance-structure-drive-rate-volatility-2017_20161122.html