Container Rates Extend Gains as Carriers Tighten Transpacific Capacity

Drewry’s World Container Index rose for a second straight week, with higher transpacific rates outweighing declines on Asia-Europe trades as carriers continue to manage capacity amid widespread supply chain disruption.

The Drewry World Container Index rose for a second consecutive week as carriers tightened transpacific capacity, while Xeneta warned that months of Middle East disruption are increasingly pushing up long-term freight contracts.

Drewry’s benchmark WCI increased 1% to $4,339 per 40-foot container, driven by higher U.S.-bound rates. Shanghai-to-New York jumped 10% to $8,706, while Shanghai-to-Los Angeles rose 6% to $6,244.

Carriers are actively restricting capacity through blank sailings, with 10 sailings