Container rates from Asia to the US showed mixed movements this week, while carriers began trimming capacity through blank sailings, adding to expectations that peak-season demand has peaked.
What Happened
According to industry reports, rates for containers from East Asia and China to the US were mixed this week. West Coast rates ranged between about $7,475 and $8,300 per FEU, while East Coast rates were between $9,600 and $11,300 per FEU, both near their highest levels since mid-2022.
By index, Shanghai-to-Los Angeles rates rose 3% week on week, while Shanghai-to-New York fell 1%. The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index edged up 0.04%, its second weekly gain after two weeks of declines. The NYSHEX Freight Index rose 0.9% to the West Coast and 1.1% to the East Coast. Another platform reported a 2% decline to the West Coast and flat rates to the East Coast.
On capacity, about 58,200 TEU were blanked on the Far East-US West Coast trade this week and 35,500 TEU on the Far East-US East Coast route. Analysts noted that with spot rates still sharply higher than at the start of the year, carriers are choosing to blank sailings rather than add capacity, suggesting caution over whether current rate levels can hold.
Background
The elevated rate environment has been supported by persistently strong US import demand and congestion at Asian ports, with the traditional peak season stretched by delayed demand. With Golden Week over, the market widely expects downward pressure on rates to build. The National Retail Federation projects November arrivals to fall 11% month on month, seen as a signal that peak season is ending. Several analysts expect rates to stay soft until pre-Lunar New Year restocking begins.
Impact on Shippers
On transit times, concentrated blank sailings will reduce available space, and some voyages may face rollovers or delays, so shippers should build in longer lead times to protect replenishment schedules. On costs, West and East Coast rates remain high but momentum has clearly slowed, leaving room for spot rates to ease in the near term and making contract-versus-spot comparisons worth revisiting. On customs, rate volatility does not directly change clearance requirements, but a late-peak surge in arrivals could worsen inspections and container pickup queues, so documents and declarations should be checked in advance.
Recommendations
Shippers should closely track carriers' blank sailing plans and space releases, secure bookings and confirm schedules for time-sensitive cargo, compare Ocean+Parcel and Ocean+Truck options on chargeable weight and density factor for cost-sensitive cargo, and prepare customs documents early to avoid storage costs from inspection delays.