What is Happening and How to Protect Your Shipments

The container shipping market is experiencing an extraordinary summer in 2026. The latest data confirms an early and sharp peak season on the Asia–Europe and Transpacific routes. Consequently, spot freight rates are surging rapidly while vessel capacity remains under heavy pressure.

The Growth Numbers in the Ocean Freight Market

At the beginning of July 2026, the Drewry World Container Index jumped by +9% in a single week, reaching $4,530/FEU. On the Shanghai–Genoa route, rates exceeded $6,300/FEU, representing a 70% increase compared to the same period last year. In fact, since early May, freight rates to the Mediterranean have more than doubled, while rates to Northern Europe have almost tripled. Similarly, Transpacific routes like Shanghai–Los Angeles and Shanghai–New York show double-digit weekly growth and doubled values year-over-year.

Several factors drive this surge in demand. Chinese exports, particularly the boom in electric vehicles, continue to push volumes up. Meanwhile, carriers apply new General Rate Increases (GRI) and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) while scheduling blank sailings to restrict available space. According to industry analysts, this intense phase will likely continue at least through the end of July.

What This Means for Importers and Exporters

In this challenging landscape, acting in advance makes all the difference. Here are three key operational recommendations:

• Advance your bookings: Book 14–21 days early (or more whenever possible) to reduce the risk of cargo rolling and last-minute surcharges.
• Maintain flexibility: Evaluate alternative arrival ports and routings to bypass congestion in major Northern European and Mediterranean hubs.
• Plan in volume blocks: Schedule your shipments in blocks from July to October, rather than shipment by shipment, to secure cost predictability ahead of Q4.

At Cargomar, we constantly monitor freight rate trends and international routes. Consequently, we deliver timely, tailored solutions to our clients.

Protect Your Shipments from Price Increases: Request a Free Analysis

Do you want to verify whether your shipments are safe from these rate increases? Contact us at MKTweb@cargomar.it for a free rate analysis and let’s find the most cost-effective solution for your business together.