You are correct for the lower 48 states, but there is definitely a need for shipping to Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
So why is it a big deal if those have to be American ships? You can't piggyback those transfers on international ships which are going that route anyway
> why is it a big deal if those have to be American ships?
It's cheaper to fly shit there than deal with financing the delays and cost of American-built ships.
> can't piggyback those transfers on international ships which are going that route anyway
Why not? Works for other Carribean and Pacific islands.