Core Change
Ocean Network Express (ONE) will fully implement the Cargo Receiving Date (CRD) pricing rule for all export cargo from Europe and Africa effective 1 September 2026, replacing the previously used Proforma Estimated Time of Departure (Proforma ETD) pricing model.
In short: Freight is no longer calculated based on when the vessel is expected to depart, but on when the cargo actually enters the port.
Scope of Application
The newly added regions under the CRD rule cover export cargo from all 50+ European countries and all 50+ African countries. Key European countries include Germany, France, the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Poland, Turkey, and Ukraine. Key African countries include South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Angola, and Ghana.
Together with regions already under the CRD rule - the US, Puerto Rico and other FMC-regulated trades, Canada, Latin America East Coast, India, and Pakistan - ONE's major global export lanes are now essentially covered by CRD pricing.
Charge Coverage
The new rule applies to all charge items, not just ocean freight. Specifically, this includes: Basic Ocean Freight (OFT), all surcharges (such as Bunker Adjustment Factor, Peak Season Surcharge, etc.), and local charges (such as Terminal Handling Charge, etc.).
Pricing Node Definition
ONE has clearly defined the pricing basis for different transport modes.
For CY (Container Yard) shipments, the pricing basis is the physical container gate-in date at the origin terminal or inland depot.
For Door-to-Door shipments, the pricing basis is the actual laden container pick-up date at the factory or facility, as confirmed by the Transport Request Order (TRO).
This model aligns with the process currently followed for US FMC-regulated lanes.
Transition Rules
The new rule sets a clear time boundary to ensure an orderly transition.
Shipments gating-in on or after 1 September 2026 will fully follow the Cargo Receiving Date rule.
Shipments gated-in prior to 1 September 2026 will continue to follow the existing Proforma ETD rule.
Exceptions
Non-FMC regulated areas not specified under the CRD scope remain on the first loading vessel's Proforma ETD basis.
For shipments originating from Taiwan and Thailand, the Mother Vessel ETD (rather than the feeder vessel) will be used as the first loading vessel's ETD for pricing.
Official Purpose & Practical Impact
ONE officially stated that this enhancement provides greater rate certainty and consistency by applying freight rates based on the cargo gate-in date, helping reduce the impact of vessel schedule changes.
For forwarders and cargo owners, this adjustment brings three practical implications:
First, the pricing logic has changed. Previously, rates were locked by ETD, and vessel delays could cause rate jumps. Now, rates are tied to gate-in time, so schedule fluctuations no longer affect the rate of cargo already gated in.
Second, gate-in timing must be precisely managed. The actual gate-in date directly determines which rate period applies, so delivery and gate-in timing must be planned in advance to match the optimal rate window.
Third, cost accounting is more stable. The new rule eliminates rate application disputes caused by frequent vessel schedule delays, helping businesses more accurately estimate logistics costs.
