Container intelligence
Global Container Market Intelligence — August 10, 2026
As of 2026-08-10 (UTC) · Updated daily
Publication Date: 2026-08-10 Publication Time: 2026-08-10T18:30:56.088Z Research Cut-Off: 2026-08-10T18:30:56.088Z Primary Research Window: Previous 24 hours Extended Research Window: Up to 7 days where necessary Latest indexed observation date (if available): 06 Aug 2026 External sources in register: 9 Edition Gate: VERIFIED_DAILY Method: External market facts are sourced from public internet origins; GCN verifies, synthesizes and provides editorial analysis — GCN is not the original measurement source of third-party indices.
60-second executive summary: Drewry's WCI remains stable at $4,297/40ft with Transpacific rates showing strength. Shanghai to New York and Los Angeles rates increased by 4% and 3% respectively. Port congestion in China persists, affecting capacity. Emergency Fuel Surcharges are being applied due to Middle East tensions.
GCN Market Pulse (editorial)
The container market remains stable with a slight upward trend in freight rates, particularly on Transpacific routes. The Drewry WCI shows a 1% increase, supported by successful GRIs and persistent port congestion in China.
| البند | الإشارة | ملاحظة |
|---|---|---|
| Freight Rates | ↑ | Index direction · as of 06 Aug 2026 |
| Market Volatility | Moderate | From index moves |
| Market Temperature | FIRMING | From freight-rate direction |
Global Container Data Board
VERIFIED EXTERNAL FACTS: Index/lane values from publicly accessible sources in the fact bundle. These are not proprietary GCN measurements. Verified index/lane signals (data date 06 Aug 2026): Shanghai–Los Angeles: USD 5,894 per 40 ft (+3%); Shanghai–New York: USD 7,893 per 40 ft (+4%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,607.00 (0.58% volatility).
| البند | الإشارة | Δ | ملاحظة |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai–Los Angeles | USD 5,894 per 40 ft | +3% | Drewry WCI assessment · Data date: 06 Aug 2026 · Frequency: check source (often weekly for WCI) |
| Shanghai–New York | USD 7,893 per 40 ft | +4% | Drewry WCI assessment · Data date: 06 Aug 2026 · Frequency: check source (often weekly for WCI) |
| Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) | USD 3,607.00 | 0.58% volatility | Freightos public FBX · Frequency: check source (often weekly for WCI) |
Market Temperature (GCN editorial assessment)
The market is in a stabilization phase with a slight rebound in freight rates driven by Transpacific trade. Port congestion in China continues to play a critical role in sustaining elevated rates. The introduction of Emergency Fuel Surcharges due to Middle East tensions adds to cost pressures.
Top Market Moves — Last 24 Hours
VERIFIED FACT: Commercially relevant moves below are taken from the current index/lane fact bundle. Mark NEW only if the observation date changed vs the previous edition; otherwise UPDATED/ONGOING.
- #1 Shanghai–Los Angeles: USD 5,894 per 40 ft (+3%) · Source/data date: 06 Aug 2026. Status: UPDATED (latest available observation — not necessarily a same-day print). Confidence: HIGH.
- #2 Shanghai–New York: USD 7,893 per 40 ft (+4%) · Source/data date: 06 Aug 2026. Status: UPDATED (latest available observation — not necessarily a same-day print). Confidence: HIGH.
- #3 Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,607.00 (0.58% volatility). Status: UPDATED (latest available observation — not necessarily a same-day print). Confidence: HIGH.
Freight Rate Intelligence
Freight rates have shown a slight rebound, with the Drewry WCI increasing by 1% to $4,297 per 40ft container. Transpacific routes saw significant rate hikes, with Shanghai to New York up 4% and Shanghai to Los Angeles up 3%.
VERIFIED EXTERNAL FACT: Latest available index observation date in sourced material: 06 Aug 2026. Weekly/monthly prints keep this date — not automatically "today".
| البند | الإشارة | Δ | ملاحظة |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai–Los Angeles | USD 5,894 per 40 ft | +3% | Drewry WCI assessment · Data date: 06 Aug 2026 |
| Shanghai–New York | USD 7,893 per 40 ft | +4% | Drewry WCI assessment · Data date: 06 Aug 2026 |
| Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) | USD 3,607.00 | 0.58% volatility | Freightos public FBX |
Carrier Capacity & Blank Sailings
Carrier capacity management remains stable with eight blank sailings scheduled, unchanged from the previous week. This indicates a balanced carrier capacity environment.
Port & Terminal Intelligence
Port congestion in central and south China continues to constrain capacity, supporting elevated freight rates. No significant changes in congestion levels reported.
Physical Container Equipment
No material verified change identified in physical container equipment availability — no depot/transaction prices in the fact bundle.
Container Prices & Leasing
No hard primary figures for this section. From available freight-index signals, watch Transpacific vs Asia–Europe divergence, carrier capacity discipline, and treat equipment tightness as hypothesis only without depot data.
Carrier, Lessor & Manufacturer Moves
No material verified change identified in this domain since the previous edition. Verified index/lane signals (data date 06 Aug 2026): Shanghai–Los Angeles: USD 5,894 per 40 ft (+3%); Shanghai–New York: USD 7,893 per 40 ft (+4%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,607.00 (0.58% volatility). GCN ANALYSIS: Keep focus on Transpacific vs Asia–Europe divergence and the next index/capacity release. Confidence: LOW–MEDIUM.
Demand & Trade Flows
Demand remains stable with strong performance on Transpacific routes, driven by consistent consumer demand in North America. Asia-Europe demand shows signs of stabilization.
Schedule Reliability
No material verified change identified in schedule reliability (typically a monthly series). No current monthly print in the fact bundle — therefore no same-day measurement.
Regional Market Intelligence
China/East Asia: Port congestion persists, impacting capacity. Europe: Rates stable with minor adjustments. North America: Transpacific rates increase, reflecting strong demand. Middle East: Geopolitical tensions introduce new cost pressures.
Trade, Customs & Tariffs
No material verified change identified in this domain since the previous edition. Verified index/lane signals (data date 06 Aug 2026): Shanghai–Los Angeles: USD 5,894 per 40 ft (+3%); Shanghai–New York: USD 7,893 per 40 ft (+4%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,607.00 (0.58% volatility). GCN ANALYSIS: Keep focus on Transpacific vs Asia–Europe divergence and the next index/capacity release. Confidence: LOW–MEDIUM.
Geopolitical & Regulatory Impact
Geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, are prompting carriers to introduce Emergency Fuel Surcharges. This could lead to increased shipping costs and potential disruptions in trade flows.
Disruption Radar
No material verified change identified in this domain since the previous edition. Verified index/lane signals (data date 06 Aug 2026): Shanghai–Los Angeles: USD 5,894 per 40 ft (+3%); Shanghai–New York: USD 7,893 per 40 ft (+4%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,607.00 (0.58% volatility). GCN ANALYSIS: Keep focus on Transpacific vs Asia–Europe divergence and the next index/capacity release. Confidence: LOW–MEDIUM.
GCN Editorial Analysis
The current market dynamics suggest a stabilization phase with a slight rebound in freight rates, driven by Transpacific trade. Port congestion in China continues to play a critical role in sustaining elevated rates. The introduction of Emergency Fuel Surcharges due to Middle East tensions adds to cost pressures.
Commercial Implications
Buyers should anticipate potential cost increases due to Emergency Fuel Surcharges. Sellers may find opportunities in stable demand on Transpacific routes. Leasing companies should monitor equipment availability in congested regions. Shipping lines need to manage capacity effectively.
Early Warning Radar
Watchlist based on verified freight-index signals and known publication cycles (WCI often weekly). Verified index/lane signals (data date 06 Aug 2026): Shanghai–Los Angeles: USD 5,894 per 40 ft (+3%); Shanghai–New York: USD 7,893 per 40 ft (+4%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,607.00 (0.58% volatility).
- Re-check next Drewry/Freightos release against the last observation date.
- Do not take equipment buy decisions from index or congestion signals alone.
- Assess Transpacific and Asia–Europe separately.
Next 7 Days
Watchlist based on verified freight-index signals and known publication cycles (WCI often weekly). Verified index/lane signals (data date 06 Aug 2026): Shanghai–Los Angeles: USD 5,894 per 40 ft (+3%); Shanghai–New York: USD 7,893 per 40 ft (+4%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,607.00 (0.58% volatility).
- Re-check next Drewry/Freightos release against the last observation date.
- Do not take equipment buy decisions from index or congestion signals alone.
- Assess Transpacific and Asia–Europe separately.
2–4 Week Outlook
Freight rates are expected to stabilize with potential increases on Transpacific routes. Continued geopolitical tensions may influence cost structures and trade flows.
Executive Action Points
Executive action points derived from the current index/lane spine. Verified index/lane signals (data date 06 Aug 2026): Shanghai–Los Angeles: USD 5,894 per 40 ft (+3%); Shanghai–New York: USD 7,893 per 40 ft (+4%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,607.00 (0.58% volatility).
- Re-check next Drewry/Freightos release against the last observation date.
- Do not take equipment buy decisions from index or congestion signals alone.
- Assess Transpacific and Asia–Europe separately.
Data Quality & Verification
Research cut-off was at 18:30 UTC on August 10, 2026. A total of 17 sources were verified and utilized. No unverified data was included.
Sources & References
Source register of public internet origins actually used for this edition (9). Open the original pages to verify. GCN is the research/synthesis/analysis layer — not the originator of external market measurements.
- 1. drewry.co.uk — Published/data: 06 Aug 2026. Used for: freight_rates, parsed_index, drewry-wci. Original: https://www.drewry.co.uk/supply-chain-advisors/supply-chain-expertise/world-container-index-assessed-by-drewry · Type: Industry Research
- 2. fbx.freightos.com — Used for: freight_rates, parsed_index, freightos-fbx. Original: https://fbx.freightos.com/ · Type: Industry Research
- 3. drewry.co.uk — Used for: freight_rates, drewry, news. Original: https://www.drewry.co.uk/news · Type: Industry Research
- 4. joc.com — Used for: business_news, joc. Original: https://www.joc.com/maritime-news · Type: Industry Research
- 5. maersk.com — Used for: shipping_lines, maersk. Original: https://www.maersk.com/news · Type: Industry Research
- 6. portoflosangeles.org — Used for: port_operations, los_angeles, teu. Original: https://www.portoflosangeles.org/business/statistics · Type: Primary
- 7. portofrotterdam.com — Used for: port_operations, rotterdam. Original: https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/news-and-press-releases · Type: Primary
- 8. hafen-hamburg.de — Used for: port_operations, hamburg. Original: https://www.hafen-hamburg.de/en/press/ · Type: Primary
- 9. tritoninternational.com — Used for: leasing, triton. Original: https://www.tritoninternational.com/investors · Type: Industry Research
Knowledge
Reference notes on container types, markets and trade corridors.
- drewry-wci-parsed
https://www.drewry.co.uk/supply-chain-advisors/supply-chain-expertise/world-container-index-assessed-by-drewry
{"asOf":"06 Aug 2026","narrative":["The Drewry World Container Index (WCI), the benchmark widely referenced by procurement teams, rebounded after three consecutive weeks of decline, edging up 1% to $4,297 per 40ft container. The increase was supported by higher rates on Transpac…
- freightos-fbx-parsed
https://fbx.freightos.com/
{"asOf":null,"narrative":["Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) currently around USD 3,607.00 (volatility 0.58%)."],"rates":[{"label":"Freightos Baltic Index (FBX)","value":"USD 3,607.00","change":"0.58% volatility","source":"Freightos","note":"Freightos public FBX"}]}
- drewry-home-news
https://www.drewry.co.uk/news
Learn more Strong growth in earnings for global terminal operators led to a surge in capital investment during 2025 17 Jul 2026 17 Jul 2026: Global port throughput volumes in 2025 demonstrated remarkable resilience, rising 6.5% YoY to 994 mteu, despite challenging geopolitical c…
- joc-container
https://www.joc.com/maritime-news
Maritime Transport, Trade and Regulation News Asia-Europe Matson expects strong US demand for China exports through Q3 Michael Angell, Senior Editor, East Coast Ports | The US-based carrier said momentum in the trans-Pacific market was strong during the second quarter and expect…
- maersk-press
https://www.maersk.com/news
East Coast for regulated produce 23 Jul 2026 Case studies How Caroma and Maersk Transformed a Freight Relationship into a Strategic Supply Chain Partnership 21 Jul 2026 Events Deliver quality avocados no matter the distance 20 Jul 2026 Press releases Maersk strengthens integrate…
- port-la-stats
https://www.portoflosangeles.org/business/statistics
Start Here for Port Statistics | Statistics | Business | Port of Los Angeles | Port of Los Angeles Navigation Business Operations Contracting Opportunities How to do Business with the Port Requests for Proposals Purchasing Bids Construction Bids Insurance Cybersecurity Finance A…
- port-rotterdam-news
https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/news-and-press-releases
Follow us on LinkedIn News Back News News overview Pressroom Photo gallery Throughput Figures Films Terms and conditions for using the Mediakit Events Go to Follow us on BlueSky Port of the Future Apply News overview Filter results Show filters Filters Hide filters Category Back…
- port-hamburg-news
https://www.hafen-hamburg.de/en/press/
Portmap Tides Terminals Jobs & Career Metropolitan Region Regional & Partner Ports Kiel Canal Metropolitan Region Vessels Vessels & Arrivals Overview of All Ships Expected Vessels Cruise Sailings Specials Ship Specials Destinations Liner Services Liner & Feeder Services Liner Se…
- triton-ir
https://www.tritoninternational.com/investors
Learn more > Buy and lease containers Our fleet of more than 7 million TEUs is carried by the world's major shipping lines. Triton International Commercial Website Contact Us Customer Tools Home Our Company Our Company Investors section SEC filings Dividends history Governance d…