Federal Maritime Commission to 'monitor' liner alliances for competitiveness

The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is keeping a close eye on three major liner alliances to ensure fair competition among operators.

It has taken this watchful stance at a time when containership rates have hit all-time highs, to the detriment of importers and consumers.

The average cost to ship a container from China to the US West Coast almost quadrupled this year to about $14,500 per 40-foot equivalent unit due to consumers shopping online while in pandemic lockdown.