#28: John Selleck – How Shipping Actually Works (And Why Guam Pays More)

In this episode, we sit down with John Selleck—Founder of One Micronesia World Logistics—for a deep dive into shipping, logistics, and the real forces shaping the cost of living on Guam. John is an economist by training, with a background spanning maritime economics, utility regulation, and corporate strategy. He played a role in major shipping decisions that reshaped Guam’s logistics landscape—including helping bring APL back into the market, which introduced competition and significantly lowered shipping rates. But this conversation goes far beyond shipping companies and industry jargon. It breaks down a system that most people interact with every day—but very few actually understand. Ryan and John unpack how the global shipping network works—from carriers and freight forwarders to container flows, backhaul economics, and the hidden costs embedded in everyday goods. They also explore how structural decisions, outdated assumptions, and consumer habits all play a role in why Guam pays more for nearly everything. At the center of the conversation is a question that comes up constantly in Guam: Does the Jones Act actually drive up the cost of living? John provides a nuanced answer—explaining that while the Jones Act plays a role, it’s only one piece of a much larger system that includes sourcing decisions, regulatory barriers, and decades of entrenched supply chains. More importantly, he offers a different way of thinking about the problem: What if Guam is buying from the wrong places? The discussion opens up a new perspective on how Guam could lower costs—not just by changing laws, but by rethinking where goods come from, how they move, and who controls the flow of trade. We cover: • How John went from economist to shipping strategist working on Guam trade routes • The inside story of how APL re-entered Guam and lowered shipping costs through competition • How the global shipping system actually works (carriers, freight forwarders, and NVOCCs) • Why shipping rates dropped by thousands per container once competition returned • What the Jones Act really does—and what it doesn’t do • Why Guam still relies heavily on U.S. mainland imports • How tariffs and supply chains quietly increase prices on island • The concept of “backhaul” and why shipping from Asia can be dramatically cheaper • How sourcing from Asia, Europe, or Mexico could lower costs for businesses and consumers • The hidden inefficiencies in Guam’s logistics and freight forwarding systems • Why transparency and pricing structure matter in shipping • Opportunities to rethink Guam’s entire supply chain—from food to construction materials If you want to understand why things cost what they do on Guam—and what could actually change it—this episode is essential. Because the answer isn’t just policy. It’s systems, incentives, and the way the island connects to the rest of the world. Data Points is presented by Pinpoint, Guam’s leading real estate data company. Our mission is to help individuals and businesses make informed decisions about real property through detailed market analysis and insights.