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Container freight rates and economic distance: a new perspective on the world map

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  • Elisabeth Gouvernal
  • Brian Slack

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to explore how container freight rates vary globally and regionally and over time. This is achieved in part by considering freight rates as a measure of economic distance. Unlike absolute distance, which is invariant between locations, economic distance is a relative measure, but like absolute distance it can be mapped. In this paper, the geographical distribution for a set of rates from markets around the world to the ports of the Northern Range of Europe is mapped. This cartographic representation provides a unique opportunity to explore the spatial arrangement of markets while providing a number of insights into the spatial structure of rates during a period of considerable change. The paper goes on to discuss this spatial structure in the context of three issues that have been raised in the literature: the relationships between rates and physical distance; the role of market conditions and rates; and, the relationships between rates and economic development. From this examination, questions are raised involving long held assumptions about distance and rates, competition and pricing, and rates and economic development.

Suggested Citation

  • Elisabeth Gouvernal & Brian Slack, 2012. "Container freight rates and economic distance: a new perspective on the world map," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(2), pages 133-149, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:marpmg:v:39:y:2012:i:2:p:133-149
    DOI: 10.1080/03088839.2011.650723
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alejandro Micco & Natalia Perez, 2002. "Determinants of Maritime Transport Costs," Research Department Publications 4247, Inter-American Development Bank, Research Department.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kazmer, David Owen, 2014. "Manufacturing outsourcing, onshoring, and global equilibrium," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 57(4), pages 463-472.
    2. Saeed, Naima & Nguyen, Su & Cullinane, Kevin & Gekara, Victor & Chhetri, Prem, 2023. "Forecasting container freight rates using the Prophet forecasting method," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 86-107.

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