Container intelligence
Global Container Market Intelligence — August 17, 2026
As of 2026-08-17 (UTC) · Updated twice daily
Publication Date: 2026-08-17 Publication Time: 2026-08-17T18:31:30.478Z Research Cut-Off: 2026-08-17T18:31:30.478Z Primary Research Window: Previous 24 hours Extended Research Window: Up to 7 days where necessary Latest indexed observation date (if available): 13 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: The Drewry World Container Index remains stable at $4,339 per 40ft, with significant rate increases on Transpacific routes. Carriers are managing capacity through blank sailings, and geopolitical tensions continue to impact supply chains. Port congestion persists in Asia due to recent typhoon impacts.
GCN Market Pulse (editorial)
The global container market is experiencing mixed signals, with significant rate increases on Transpacific routes contrasted by declines on Asia–Europe routes. Geopolitical tensions and environmental disruptions continue to challenge supply chains.
| Item | Signal | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Freight Rates | ↑ | Index direction · as of 13 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.
| Item | Signal | Δ | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drewry World Container Index | USD 4,339 per 40 ft | +1% | Drewry WCI (public weekly assessment) · Data date: 13 Aug 2026 · Data date: 13 Aug 2026 · Frequency: check source (often weekly for WCI) |
| Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) | USD 3,689.80 | 0.57% volatility | Freightos public FBX · Frequency: check source (often weekly for WCI) |
Market Temperature (GCN editorial assessment)
The market remains volatile with ongoing geopolitical and environmental challenges. Carriers are adjusting strategies with blank sailings and surcharges to manage these disruptions.
What Changed?
Top Market Moves — Last 24 Hours: VERIFIED FACT: Commercially relevant moves below are taken from the current index/lane fact bundle.
- Transpacific rates from Shanghai to New York rose 10% to $8,706 per 40ft container (Drewry, 13 Aug 2026).
- Rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased 6% to $6,244 per 40ft container (Drewry, 13 Aug 2026).
- Asia–Europe rates declined, with Shanghai to Genoa falling 8% to $5,080 per 40ft container (Drewry, 13 Aug 2026).
Freight Rate Intelligence
The Drewry World Container Index and Freightos Baltic Index indicate a stable market with specific route fluctuations. Transpacific rates are rising, while Asia–Europe rates are declining, reflecting regional demand shifts.
VERIFIED EXTERNAL FACT: Latest available index observation date in sourced material: 13 Aug 2026. Weekly/monthly prints keep this date — not automatically "today".
| Item | Signal | Δ | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drewry World Container Index | USD 4,339 per 40 ft | +1% | Drewry WCI (public weekly assessment) · Data date: 13 Aug 2026 |
| Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) | USD 3,689.80 | 0.57% volatility | Freightos public FBX |
Carrier Capacity & Blank Sailings
Carriers continue to manage capacity through blank sailings, with 10 cancellations in the past two weeks and seven more planned. This strategy aims to stabilize rates amid fluctuating demand.
Port & Terminal Intelligence
Congestion at Asian ports persists following typhoon Dolphin, impacting vessel schedules and supply chain reliability. Low-water conditions in the Rhine are also affecting inland transportation across Europe.
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 material verified change identified in physical container purchase/leasing prices — no depot/transaction prices in the fact bundle.
Carrier, Lessor & Manufacturer Moves
No material verified change identified in this domain since the previous edition. Verified index/lane signals (data date 13 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,339 per 40 ft (+1%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,689.80 (0.57% volatility). GCN ANALYSIS: Keep focus on Transpacific vs Asia–Europe divergence and the next index/capacity release. Confidence: LOW–MEDIUM.
Demand & Trade Flows
No material verified change identified in this domain since the previous edition. Verified index/lane signals (data date 13 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,339 per 40 ft (+1%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,689.80 (0.57% volatility). GCN ANALYSIS: Keep focus on Transpacific vs Asia–Europe divergence and the next index/capacity release. Confidence: LOW–MEDIUM.
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
No material verified change identified in this domain since the previous edition. Verified index/lane signals (data date 13 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,339 per 40 ft (+1%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,689.80 (0.57% volatility). GCN ANALYSIS: Keep focus on Transpacific vs Asia–Europe divergence and the next index/capacity release. Confidence: LOW–MEDIUM.
Trade, Customs & Tariffs
No material verified change identified in this domain since the previous edition. Verified index/lane signals (data date 13 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,339 per 40 ft (+1%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,689.80 (0.57% volatility). GCN ANALYSIS: Keep focus on Transpacific vs Asia–Europe divergence and the next index/capacity release. Confidence: LOW–MEDIUM.
Geopolitical & Regulatory Impact
Ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal, along with Panama Canal restrictions, are contributing to market volatility and influencing carrier strategies, including the announcement of Emergency Fuel Surcharges.
Disruption Radar
No material verified change identified in this domain since the previous edition. Verified index/lane signals (data date 13 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,339 per 40 ft (+1%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,689.80 (0.57% 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 reflect a complex interplay of rising demand on certain routes, geopolitical tensions, and environmental disruptions. Carriers are leveraging capacity management and surcharges to navigate these challenges, while shippers face increased uncertainty in supply chain reliability.
Commercial Implications
For shippers, the current environment necessitates early bookings and extended lead times to mitigate risks of cargo rollovers and delays. Carriers may benefit from strategic capacity management and surcharge implementations to maintain profitability.
Early Warning Radar
Watchlist based on verified freight-index signals and known publication cycles (WCI often weekly). Verified index/lane signals (data date 13 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,339 per 40 ft (+1%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,689.80 (0.57% 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
No specific events identified for the next seven days that could significantly alter current market conditions.
2–4 Week Outlook
The market is expected to remain volatile with continued geopolitical tensions and environmental disruptions. Carriers are likely to continue using blank sailings and surcharges to manage capacity and stabilize rates.
Executive Action Points
Shippers should consider securing space early and planning for potential delays. Carriers should continue to monitor geopolitical developments and adjust capacity management strategies accordingly.
Data Quality & Verification
Research cut-off was at 18:31 UTC on August 17, 2026. A total of 19 usable facts were verified from public internet sources. 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: 13 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. portoflosangeles.org — Used for: port_operations, los_angeles, teu. Original: https://www.portoflosangeles.org/business/statistics · Type: Primary
- 6. portofrotterdam.com — Used for: port_operations, rotterdam. Original: https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/news-and-press-releases · Type: Primary
- 7. hafen-hamburg.de — Used for: port_operations, hamburg. Original: https://www.hafen-hamburg.de/en/press/ · Type: Primary
- 8. tritoninternational.com — Used for: leasing, triton. Original: https://www.tritoninternational.com/investors · Type: Industry Research
- 9. maersk.com — Used for: shipping_lines, maersk. Original: https://www.maersk.com/news · Type: Industry Research
Sources & References
Click through to the original public sources used for this edition. External facts are verified and synthesized by GCN — GCN is not the originator of third-party index measurements. Licensed paid desks are not included unless contracted.
- drewry-wci-parsed
https://www.drewry.co.uk/supply-chain-advisors/supply-chain-expertise/world-container-index-assessed-by-drewry
{"asOf":"13 Aug 2026","narrative":["The Drewry World Container Index (WCI), the benchmark widely referenced by procurement teams, increased 1% to $4,339 per 40ft container, driven by higher rates on the Transpacific trade route. On the Transpacific trade route, spot rates increa…
- freightos-fbx-parsed
https://fbx.freightos.com/
{"asOf":null,"narrative":["Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) currently around USD 3,689.80 (volatility 0.57%)."],"rates":[{"label":"Freightos Baltic Index (FBX)","value":"USD 3,689.80","change":"0.57% 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
Subsections Container Shipping News Breakbulk News Port News The latest Maritime News & Analysis German port union launches warning strikes Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Verdi has called for about 11,000 port employees to walk off the job tonight in key hubs including Ham…
- 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…
- maersk-press
https://www.maersk.com/news
News & Advisories | Maersk Latest news Press releases Maersk delivers strong Q2 and raises full year guidance Maersk grew volumes across all segments and delivered a strong financial performance in Q2, with revenue increasing 20% year-on-year to USD 15.8bn, EBIT lifted to USD 1.…