There is a growing anxiety that shipping lines do not seem to be "on top of" managing the commencement of the new groupings, and consequently shippers and forwarders have been drawing up contingency plans.UK freight forwarder Westbound Shipping Services described the "mind-boggling transition" for carriers of their fleets and equipment into their new alliance homes, reported The Loadstar.
It said: "Many schedules still published are incorrect, as many vessels have been taken out of service. This upholds the demand for space and in turn the recent rate stabilisation."
In addition, the rescheduling is leading to a reduction in capacity for North European exports to Asia, which is having a major impact on shippers' businesses.
One major UK importer said his logistics team was considering using the overland rail route from China to Europe in the event that the situation becomes chaotic as some fear.
"We have been testing the rail services - loading 15-20 containers over the last six months or so, and as a product it has gone very smoothly. The lead times were as promised - 19-20 days from China into Germany, principally either Hamburg or Duisburg," he was quoted as saying.
However, he did admit there had been challenges, particularly with the onward leg from Germany to the UK.
"There is an issue with the restitution of rail boxes back to the railway companies in Germany. The rail companies want those boxes back in Germany, so you have to consider what sort of backhaul cargo you could attract on the rail to go to Duisburg from the UK once you have finished devanning the box.
"The other option is to decant the container in Germany and then truck it to the UK. Overall, you are looking at 22-23 days from China to the UK stores, so there is a good speed differential, while the freight cost is clearly closer to sea-air products, or even air, than it is to the ocean freight equivalent.
"What we are trying to work out is whether the speed advantage is worth the extra cost, and so far we have been pleasantly surprised by the results.
It said: "Many schedules still published are incorrect, as many vessels have been taken out of service. This upholds the demand for space and in turn the recent rate stabilisation."
In addition, the rescheduling is leading to a reduction in capacity for North European exports to Asia, which is having a major impact on shippers' businesses.
One major UK importer said his logistics team was considering using the overland rail route from China to Europe in the event that the situation becomes chaotic as some fear.
"We have been testing the rail services - loading 15-20 containers over the last six months or so, and as a product it has gone very smoothly. The lead times were as promised - 19-20 days from China into Germany, principally either Hamburg or Duisburg," he was quoted as saying.
However, he did admit there had been challenges, particularly with the onward leg from Germany to the UK.
"There is an issue with the restitution of rail boxes back to the railway companies in Germany. The rail companies want those boxes back in Germany, so you have to consider what sort of backhaul cargo you could attract on the rail to go to Duisburg from the UK once you have finished devanning the box.
"The other option is to decant the container in Germany and then truck it to the UK. Overall, you are looking at 22-23 days from China to the UK stores, so there is a good speed differential, while the freight cost is clearly closer to sea-air products, or even air, than it is to the ocean freight equivalent.
"What we are trying to work out is whether the speed advantage is worth the extra cost, and so far we have been pleasantly surprised by the results.