July 10, 2026 - Global shipping research firm Drewry officially published its weekly World Container Index (WCI) on July 10, marking a sharp 9% week-on-week surge, with the benchmark price for a 40-foot container reaching USD 4,530, hitting a new high in the second half of 2026.
The upward trend is mainly fueled by pre-holiday stocking demand from North America and European importers. As retailers prepare inventory for back-to-school season, Black Friday and Christmas consumption peaks, manufacturers in China, Vietnam and Southeast Asia accelerate bulk export shipments, pushing up cargo volume on all core east-west trade lanes. Among all routes, Far East-US West Coast saw the most obvious price growth; Shanghai to Los Angeles spot freight climbed to USD 6,349 per 40HQ, while Shanghai-New York reached USD 7,902 per 40HQ.
Carriers have announced successive peak season surcharge plans effective mid-July. CMA CGM will impose an extra USD 4,000 per FEU on transpacific cargo starting July 10, and MSC, Maersk will add seasonal fees ranging from USD 1,000 to USD 2,000 on Asia-Europe shipments. In addition, Drewry's blank sailing tracking data shows 48 suspended voyages will be arranged across trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe routes in the next five weeks, which will further tighten available cabin space and support higher spot rates.
Industry analysts pointed out that the current freight surge is structural rather than temporary. Although shipping lines have deployed maximum available vessel capacity, the surging stocking demand cannot be fully absorbed in the short term. The market will maintain high freight pressure throughout August and September, and price declines will not appear until late October after the main stocking window closes.
Logistics forwarders released targeted operational tips for all export manufacturers. First, prioritize signing long-term fixed-price contracts to hedge spot price volatility. Second, split cargo volume to multiple shipping lines and alternative loading ports to reduce risks of rollover and blank sailings. Third, reasonably match sea-rail multimodal transport as a backup logistics channel for time-sensitive goods. Fourth, complete customs declaration documents in advance to avoid cargo detention caused by tight port schedules and inspection tightening.
