News / Shipper-carrier relations hit 'an all-time low' – 'it's all about money'

ID 62096177 © Yiu Tung Lee | Dreamstime.com

A “short-sighted” approach by shipping lines is driving the degeneration of relationships with their contract shipper customers that could harm them in the future, according to maritime consultant Drewry.

One of several shippers surveyed by the consultant said things had reached an all-time low.

“Relationships with carriers count for nothing these days,” said one large European shipper. “The carriers are very opportunistic and take high-rate spot shipments rather than contract shipments – it is all about money.”

Another respondent, a medium-size US shipper, ...