Global container freight rates continued their upward momentum for the third consecutive week, with the Drewry World Container Index (WCI) increasing 6% to US$2,712 per 40ft container on 21 May 2026. The rally is being driven mainly by strengthening demand on the Asia–Europe trade route as the peak shipping season begins earlier than usual this year.
Freight rates on the Asia–Europe corridor recorded the strongest gains this week. Rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam surged 15% to US$2,773 per 40ft container, while Shanghai to Genoa rates climbed 10% to US$4,082 per 40ft container. The increase has been supported by early peak season cargo demand, rising Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates, and limited blank sailings. CMA CGM has also announced new FAK levels effective 1 June, with Asia–Europe rates expected to reach around US$4,700 per 40ft container and Asia–Mediterranean rates ranging between US$5,500 and US$5,700.
On the Transpacific trade route, freight rates also edged higher amid tightening capacity conditions. Rates from Shanghai to New York rose 2% to US$4,317 per 40ft container, while rates to Los Angeles increased 1% to US$3,385 per 40ft container. According to Drewry, seven blank sailings are scheduled for next week on the Transpacific route, creating room for carriers to implement additional rate increases. Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) of US$2,000 per 40ft container on eastbound Transpacific cargo effective 1 June.
Overall, East–West container freight markets are firming as carriers continue pushing rates higher through increased FAK levels, peak season surcharges, and selective capacity management. At the same time, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, along with rising bunker and emergency fuel surcharge costs, are adding further uncertainty and upward pressure to global shipping markets. Industry analysts expect freight rates to continue increasing in the coming weeks as demand strengthens ahead of the peak season.
Source: Drewry
Freight rates on the Asia–Europe corridor recorded the strongest gains this week. Rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam surged 15% to US$2,773 per 40ft container, while Shanghai to Genoa rates climbed 10% to US$4,082 per 40ft container. The increase has been supported by early peak season cargo demand, rising Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates, and limited blank sailings. CMA CGM has also announced new FAK levels effective 1 June, with Asia–Europe rates expected to reach around US$4,700 per 40ft container and Asia–Mediterranean rates ranging between US$5,500 and US$5,700.
On the Transpacific trade route, freight rates also edged higher amid tightening capacity conditions. Rates from Shanghai to New York rose 2% to US$4,317 per 40ft container, while rates to Los Angeles increased 1% to US$3,385 per 40ft container. According to Drewry, seven blank sailings are scheduled for next week on the Transpacific route, creating room for carriers to implement additional rate increases. Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) of US$2,000 per 40ft container on eastbound Transpacific cargo effective 1 June.
Overall, East–West container freight markets are firming as carriers continue pushing rates higher through increased FAK levels, peak season surcharges, and selective capacity management. At the same time, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, along with rising bunker and emergency fuel surcharge costs, are adding further uncertainty and upward pressure to global shipping markets. Industry analysts expect freight rates to continue increasing in the coming weeks as demand strengthens ahead of the peak season.
Source: Drewry