Container shipping rates have jumped sharply as carriers impose peak season surcharges earlier than usual, with Drewry's World Container Index rising 23 per cent in one week, reported UK's Seatrade Maritime News.

The index reached US$3,433 per FEU on June 4, up from US$2,800 a week earlier, driven by Asia-Europe and Transpacific trades. Shanghai-Los Angeles rates rose 31 per cent to $4,565 per FEU, while Shanghai-Rotterdam climbed 25 per cent to $3,579 per FEU.

The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index also reflected the surge, rising 16 per cent to 2,571.73 points on May 29 and a further six per cent to 2,726.48 points on June 5. Drewry stated that the early start to peak season is supporting stronger demand and higher prices.

Carriers have rolled out surcharges across major trades. CMA CGM introduced a $500 per TEU surcharge on Asia-North Europe from June 1, MSC set new base rates of $3,900 per TEU and $6,000 per FEU from June 15, while Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk announced surcharges of $300-$500 per 20ft and $600-$1,000 per 40ft containers.

HSBC Global Investment Research indicated that markets have entered an early peak season with momentum likely to persist, citing front loadings, port congestion, and capacity management. The SCFI has surged for five consecutive weeks to its highest level since September 2024.

Alphaliner reported idle fleet levels at historically low levels, with just 0.6 per cent of global capacity idle as of May 26. Lines reactivated 21 ships with a combined capacity of 46,542 TEU in the two weeks prior.

Drewry noted that East-West freight markets are strengthening as Red Sea diversions extend transit times and importers place orders earlier. Rising rates are expected to benefit carriers such as Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and Zim, which posted losses in Q1 2026.