Global container freight rates rose for a third consecutive week as carriers pushed higher prices across East-West trade lanes amid signs of an earlier-than-usual peak shipping season, reports LA's Global Trade Magazine.

Drewry said its World Container Index climbed 6 percent this week to US$2,712 per 40-foot container, extending gains through May. The Asia-Europe corridor saw the sharpest increases, with tightening vessel space and higher Freight All Kinds pricing driving spot rates upward.

Rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam jumped 15 percent week-on-week to $2,773 per FEU, while Shanghai-Genoa pricing rose 10 percent to $4,082 per FEU. Carriers are keeping more capacity active, with few blank sailings planned, to capture strengthening demand.

CMA CGM announced new FAK pricing effective June 1, setting rates at about $4,700 per FEU into North Europe and up to $5,700 per FEU into Mediterranean ports. Analysts said early peak-season cargo demand and firm pricing discipline are likely to sustain upward pressure.

Transpacific routes also strengthened, though more modestly. Shanghai-New York spot rates rose 2 percent to $4,317 per FEU, while Shanghai-Los Angeles edged up 1 percent to $3,385 per FEU. Blank sailings are tightening capacity on US-bound trades.

Ocean Network Express announced a new Peak Season Surcharge of $2,000 per FEU on eastbound transpacific shipments starting June 1. Rising bunker fuel costs, emergency surcharges, and Gulf shipping uncertainty are adding to market pressures.

Analysts said the mix of higher FAK rates, reduced sailings, and stronger cargo volumes is restoring carrier pricing power across key trade lanes, with further increases expected in the coming weeks.