April 1, 2017 marks the beginning of the new ocean carrier alliance structure.  One concern for shippers is that 50 percent of the routes offered by the Ocean and THE alliance will change from being direct to transshipments.  This creates a greater risk of schedule changes.  The 2M alliance will have the most direct sailing options.  The primary issue at US ports will be the increase in vessel size and the operational challenges associated with handling these volume surges. Additional details are available at: http://www.joc.com/maritime-news/new-alliance-analysis-highlights-sea-change-facing-shippers_20170330.html