Ocean Rates Sink Again

Global ocean freight rates have fallen to their lowest levels since late 2023, as shipping lines face both new regulatory headwinds and tentative signs of recovery in the Red Sea corridor. According to Freightos, Transpacific container prices dropped 8% week over week, with Asia–U.S. West Coast lanes averaging $1,431 per FEU and East Coast rates at $3,015. Soft U.S. import volumes and overcapacity are adding pressure, even as geopolitical dynamics shift.

A new ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict has raised hopes for renewed Red Sea traffic, though most carriers are cautiously waiting for confirmed stability before rerouting through the Suez Canal. Meanwhile, the U.S. and China exchanged new port fees, and Washington is moving toward tariffs on China-linked cranes and chassis by November.

At TLC, we’re closely tracking these global shifts — from Red Sea recovery to Transpacific pricing trends — to help clients maintain cost stability and route resilience.
Fast freight, handled with TLC.