Container rates from Asia to the US were mixed this week. West Coast rates stood at roughly $7,515-8,365 per FEU, while East Coast rates were about $9,600-11,500 per FEU, with both lanes remaining near their highest levels since mid-2022. Capacity is expected to tighten slightly while US import demand is easing, leaving the near-term rate outlook divided.
What Happened
According to international media reports, container rates from East Asia and China to the US diverged this week. West Coast rates for 40-foot containers ranged from $7,515 to $8,365, and East Coast rates from $9,600 to $11,500, both close to their highest since mid-2022.
Rate indices from different providers pointed in different directions. One supply chain advisory assessed Shanghai-Los Angeles rates down 6% and Shanghai-New York down 5%. It noted six blank sailings announced for next week, up from five this week, indicating tight capacity, while weakening US import demand could put further downward pressure on rates, leading it to expect rates to fall next week.
Another logistics firm reported a 1% decline to the West Coast and a 0.22% increase to the East Coast. Its founder and CEO said space is improving as the traditional pre-holiday peak closes out, with softer volumes and more consistent vessel schedules giving importers greater booking flexibility. He expects China-US ocean rates to remain broadly stable through the first half of November, with possible modest declines.
A third online rate platform reported weekly rates up 3% to the West Coast and up 9% to the East Coast. Its head of research called the increases a surprise, having expected transpacific prices to cool after Golden Week. Daily East Coast prices receded during the week but were still about $200/FEU above the prior week, he said, adding that some forwarders report cooling demand and more available space and still expect a seasonal easing. The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index edged up 0.16%, its fourth consecutive weekly gain, while another freight index rose 1.9% to both coasts.
Background
The transpacific lane typically enters a rate consolidation phase after the traditional pre-holiday shipping peak. This year, as the peak wound down, carriers controlled capacity through blank sailings while US import demand weakened, contracting both supply and demand and producing divergent readings across rate indices. Rates remain elevated, suggesting tight capacity is supporting prices, but slowing demand limits further upside.
Impact on Shippers
On transit time, more blank sailings mean some voyages may be merged or cancelled, so shippers should watch for schedule changes after booking to avoid disrupting FBA inbound deadlines or factory delivery dates. On cost, West and East Coast rates remain high, with East Coast rates clearly above West Coast levels; shippers should compare total door-to-door costs of ocean parcel and ocean truck delivery options, including last-mile charges. On customs clearance, rate volatility does not directly change clearance requirements, but inspection pace at US ports may shift around peak periods, so document consistency should be checked in advance.
Recommendations
Shippers are advised to book in batches based on actual delivery schedules rather than concentrating on a single voyage; secure space early and confirm blank sailing arrangements for time-sensitive cargo; compare total first-mile plus last-mile costs via West and East Coast routings and adjust the mix of ocean parcel and ocean truck delivery as needed; and verify product descriptions, declared values and documents before shipment, allowing extra time for potential port inspections.