Mediterranean Shipping Co. Led in Exports for First Quarter, Reports The Journal of Commerce in Top 40 Container Shipping Ranking

NEWARK, N.J., July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- As ocean carriers rushed to take part in the first quarter's economic spike, U.S. containerized imports and exports increased a combined 12.3 percent. This week's Journal of Commerce highlights the carriers moving 98.8 percent of the volumes in its Top 40 Container Lines report. In this quarterly ranking, Mediterranean Shipping Co., with a 26.3 percent jump in container volume from first quarter 2009, unseated Maersk Line from its No. 1 export-volume spot. Maersk Line once again held at No. 1 in U.S. import trades.  

Maersk led in overall U.S. import volume with 11.4 percent market share for the first quarter of 2010. Mediterranean Shipping -- in the No. 2 import spot -- remained at 8.5 percent market share.

Twelve of the carriers listed posted year-over-year increases of more than 25 percent in imports during the first quarter; nine ship lines had increases of more than 25 percent in exports, according to data provided by PIERS Global Intelligence Solutions, a sister company to the JOC.  

APL jumped from No. 6 to No. 3 in import volumes and from No. 5 to No. 4 in exports with solid year-over-year gains in market share. While still in the top five, this year Evergreen Line slipped from first quarter 2009 -- 1.6 percent in exports market share and 7.5 percent in imports. Rounding out each list's top five were Hapag-Lloyd at No. 3 in exports and Hanjin Shipping at No. 5 for imports.

The JOC Container Shipping Quarterly Special Report takes an in-depth look at changes to the global charter market as container lines strategize how to best handle rapid growth with limited vessels and equipment. It also includes AXS-Alphaliner's Top 50 Global Container Fleet Operators, based on market share and TEU capacity of owned and chartered ships, as well as those on order.  

To view daily news visit www.joc.com. For all media enquires, including article reprints, please contact Editorial Director Paul Page.

Since 1827, The Journal of Commerce has been the most trusted source of intelligence for international logistics executives to help them plan global supply chains and better manage day-to-day transportation of goods and commodities in the United States and internationally.

To become a member of The Journal of Commerce click here. JOC members have access to our weekly print and digital magazine and Web site, as well as a 10% discount on all JOC events and trade shows, UBM Global Trade Directories and select PIERS products. Authoritative editorial content in the form of daily news, weekly analysis and regular features ensure our members have the information and data necessary to understand the issues facing trucking, rail and maritime transportation. Members enjoy access to "By the Numbers," an exclusive weekly compilation of key industry statistics that provides detailed views of current market trends across all modes. Regular market intelligence reports -- utilizing PIERS trade data -- include Top 100 Imports and Exporters, quarterly Top 40 Container lines, Trans-Pacific and Trans-Atlantic Maritime Forecasts and Top Container Ports and Terminals. Market-sector supplements, including Breakbulk, Cool Cargoes, 3PL, JOC Guide to Trucking and others, ensure all modes are comprehensively covered.  

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SOURCE The Journal of Commerce