SINGAPORE — The global shipping industry, ravaged by collapsing revenues, defensive mergers and the failure of major player Hanjin Shipping Co. slowly is waking up to the redeeming potential of technology.

Port of Houston Authority officials acted quickly to deliver stranded cargo after Hanjin Shipping Co. sought bankruptcy protection, offering to move and release the containers for a reduced fee.

The South Korean court overseeing Hanjin Shipping Co.’s receivership is considering a sale process for the entire container line, a month after the debt-laden company’s filing roiled supply chains worldwide.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected XPO Logistics’ bid to throw out an unfavorable union representation vote at Laredo, Texas, during 2014.

South Africa’s Competition Commission searched the premises of six shipping companies, including AP Moeller-Maersk A/S, as part of an investigation into allegations that they colluded to fix incremental cargo rates between Asia and South Africa.

Consumer confidence rose in September to the highest level since before the last recession on optimism about the labor market, according to a report from the New York-based Conference Board on Sept. 27.

A.P. Moeller-Maersk A/S’s container line, which this month ditched a strategy of building new vessels and will instead try to grow through acquisitions, is targeting South Korea’s two biggest shipping firms, according to Jefferies International Ltd.

Hyundai Merchant Marine Co., South Korea’s second-largest container line, surged in Seoul trading after the company was said to be looking at some assets of troubled rival Hanjin Shipping Co. for a possible acquisition.

HOUSTON — Intermodal businesses that have become accustomed to long-term growth likely are facing tougher times ahead in the form of a recession, changing freight patterns and other obstacles.

Hanjin Shipping Co. and its customers are being asked to pay more than usual to bring freight into U.S. ports, creating a backlog that could keep goods off shelves during the holiday shopping season.