Xeneta: Carriers Seize Opportunity As Freight Rates Head Towards Record Levels From Far East To US
The Xeneta Weekly Ocean Container Shipping Market Update provides data and intelligence including the latest freight rate and capacity movements across global trades with supporting insight from Peter Sand, Xeneta Chief Analyst. Xeneta analyst insight – carriers seize opportunity as freight rates head towards record levels from Far East to US Peter Sand, Xeneta Chief ...
Carriers are taking advantage of record-high freight rates moving goods from the Far East to the US, according to Xeneta's Weekly Ocean Container Shipping Market Update. Spot rates from the Far East to US West Coast and East Coast have surged 324% and 325% since February, just 18% and 11% shy of the all-time high reached during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bunker prices continue to drive fuel surcharges higher, potentially reaching pre-pandemic levels, which would be a remarkable development. The possibility of a record freight rate break is especially likely for trades heading to the US East Coast, though breaking the all-time high remains uncertain. However, the fact that carriers are even considering adding capacity demonstrates just how sensitive these ocean container shipping trades are to geopolitical factors, particularly the potential for conflict in the Middle East.
Carriers are responding to the hot market by adding 6-7% more capacity in September compared to August for the Far East to US East Coast trade. Market average spot rates, as of September 17, 2026, show a significant increase since February 28, 2026, before the Hormuz crisis.
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