Freight rates rise to $4,585 per 40-foot container, marking a significant turnaround in global shipping costs.
The latest World Container Index (WCI) published by the international maritime research and consulting organization Drewry has revealed that freight rates in global container shipping have begun to rise again.
According to data dated October 22, 2026, the index reached $4,585 per 40-foot container, marking a weekly increase of 2%. This marks the second consecutive week of rising container freight rates, with the index hitting its highest level in the last 15 weeks.
The increase in freight rates was influenced by rising shipping costs on the Asia-Europe and Transpacific trade routes.
Freight rates on the Shanghai-Rotterdam route have increased.
Freight prices in container shipping between Asia and Europe have continued to rise.
According to Drewry data, spot freight rates on the Shanghai-Rotterdam route increased by 3% week-on-week, reaching $3,632 per 40-foot container.
On the Shanghai-Genoa route, prices rose by 5% to reach $4,152.
Drewry reported that eight sailing cancellations were announced for the Asia-Europe route for the upcoming week, while there were two cancellations this week.
It was noted that container line operators are attempting to support freight rates by reducing the shipping capacity they offer to the market through sailing cancellations.
The organization expects freight rates on the Asia-Europe route to rise slightly next week due to tightening capacity.
Freight rates remain high on U.S. routes.
Freight increases have also continued in Transpacific container shipping.
The shipping cost on the Shanghai-Los Angeles route rose by 2% week-on-week, reaching $8,007 per 40-foot container.
On the Shanghai-New York route, freight rates increased by 1% to reach $10,166.
Drewry reported that strong import demand from the U.S. continues to support freight rates on the Transpacific route.
While only two sailing cancellations were announced for the upcoming week on this route, there were six cancellations in the current week.
The decrease in sailing cancellations indicates that shipping capacity is being utilized more efficiently.
The research organization expects Transpacific freight rates to remain stable next week.
Waiting times at Asian ports have decreased.
Despite the rise in freight rates, it has been reported that waiting times for ships at major container ports in Asia have decreased.
According to Drewry data, the waiting time for ships at Shanghai Port, which reached 97 hours in week 38, fell to 38 hours in week 42.
This decrease in waiting times indicates a significant improvement in port operations.
However, the capacity management policies of container line operators continue to be one of the main factors determining the direction of freight rates.
Security risks in the Persian Gulf persist.
Drewry's assessment also noted that security risks in the Middle East continue to affect the operations of container ships.
In week 42, the number of container ships entering the Persian Gulf was recorded as two. The previous week, five container ships had entered the region.
The number of container ship sailings through the Suez Canal increased from 54 in week 41 to 55 in week 42.
Regional security developments continue to play an important role in determining maritime shipping routes.
Capacity management is decisive in the trend of freight rates.
Drewry reported that the outlook for the East-West container shipping market remains uncertain.
It was noted that ship operators on the Asia-Europe route are trying to support freight rates by limiting capacity and applying additional charges, while U.S. import demand is influencing prices on the Transpacific route.
While the reduction of congestion at Asian ports improves operational conditions, regional security risks and changes in ship sailings continue to have an impact on the market.
Drewry stated that in the upcoming period, the direction of container freight rates will depend on demand developments, adjustments in shipping capacity, and regional security conditions.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
