Container intelligence
Global Container Market Intelligence — August 19, 2026
As of 2026-08-19 (UTC) · Updated twice daily
Publication Date: 2026-08-19 Publication Time: 2026-08-19T18:31:17.002Z Research Cut-Off: 2026-08-19T18:31:17.002Z 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: 12 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.
The Drewry World Container Index remains stable at $4,339 per 40ft container, indicating a 1% increase driven by Transpacific routes. Freightos Baltic Index is at $3,689.80, showing 0.57% volatility. Blank sailings continue to manage capacity with 10 cancellations in recent weeks and 7 more planned. Asia–Europe rates have declined, with Shanghai to Genoa down 8% to $5,080. Geopolitical tensions and weather disruptions continue to impact market stability.
GCN Market Pulse (editorial)
The container market shows mixed signals with rising Transpacific rates and declining Asia–Europe rates. Capacity management through blank sailings is evident, and geopolitical tensions add uncertainty.
| 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 contrasting trends on major trade routes. Transpacific rates are increasing, while Asia–Europe rates are declining. Capacity management efforts are ongoing.
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 Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,339 per 40 ft (+1%) · Source/data date: 13 Aug 2026. Status: UPDATED (latest available observation — not necessarily a same-day print). Confidence: HIGH.
- #2 Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,689.80 (0.57% volatility). Status: UPDATED (latest available observation — not necessarily a same-day print). Confidence: HIGH.
Freight Rate Intelligence
Freight rates show mixed trends across different trade routes, with significant increases on the Transpacific route and declines on the Asia–Europe route.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai to New York | USD 8,706 per 40 ft | +10% | Data date: 13 Aug 2026, Source: Drewry |
| Shanghai to Los Angeles | USD 6,244 per 40 ft | +6% | Data date: 13 Aug 2026, Source: Drewry |
| Shanghai to Genoa | USD 5,080 per 40 ft | -8% | Data date: 13 Aug 2026, Source: Drewry |
| Shanghai to Rotterdam | USD 4,425 per 40 ft | -5% | Data date: 13 Aug 2026, Source: Drewry |
Carrier Capacity & Blank Sailings
Carriers continue to manage capacity through blank sailings, with 10 cancellations in recent weeks and 7 more planned.
Port & Terminal Intelligence
Port congestion remains a concern, exacerbated by recent weather disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
Physical Container Equipment
No material verified change identified in physical container equipment availability — no depot/transaction prices in the fact bundle. 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: Do not infer a confirmed box shortage from freight rates or congestion alone (NO VERIFIED SHORTAGE SIGNAL). Confidence: LOW–MEDIUM.
Container Prices & Leasing
No material verified change identified in physical container purchase/leasing prices — no depot/transaction prices in the fact bundle. 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: Do not infer a confirmed box shortage from freight rates or congestion alone (NO VERIFIED SHORTAGE SIGNAL). Confidence: LOW–MEDIUM.
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. 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: Treat reliability as a watch item until the next primary publication. Confidence: LOW.
Regional Market Intelligence
Regional markets are experiencing varied conditions, with specific challenges in Asia and Europe due to geopolitical and weather-related disruptions.
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
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.
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 container market is experiencing a complex interplay of rising rates on some routes and declining rates on others, influenced by capacity management and geopolitical factors.
Commercial Implications
Shippers should anticipate potential rate increases and plan for possible delays due to ongoing capacity management and geopolitical tensions.
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).
- Monitor potential impacts of geopolitical tensions on shipping lanes.
- Anticipate further blank sailings as carriers manage capacity.
Next 7 Days
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).
- Potential rate adjustments on major trade routes.
- Impact of announced Panama Canal surcharges.
2–4 Week Outlook
Expect continued volatility in freight rates with potential stabilization if capacity management remains effective.
Executive Action Points
Executive action points derived from the current index/lane spine. 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).
- Consider early bookings to mitigate risks of cargo rollovers.
- Evaluate alternative routes to avoid congested ports.
Data Quality & Verification
Research cut-off was 2026-08-19T18:31:17.002Z. A total of 22 usable facts were sourced. All data verified as of the latest available dates.
Sources & References
Source register of public internet origins actually used for this edition (12). 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. en.sse.net.cn — Used for: freight_rates, scfi, sse, frequency_note. Original: https://en.sse.net.cn/indices/introduction_scfi.jsp · Type: Industry Research
- 6. en.sse.net.cn — Used for: freight_rates, ccfi, sse. Original: https://en.sse.net.cn/indices/ccfinew.jsp · Type: Industry Research
- 7. portoflosangeles.org — Used for: port_operations, los_angeles, teu. Original: https://www.portoflosangeles.org/business/statistics · Type: Primary
- 8. portofrotterdam.com — Used for: port_operations, rotterdam. Original: https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/news-and-press-releases · Type: Primary
- 9. hafen-hamburg.de — Used for: port_operations, hamburg. Original: https://www.hafen-hamburg.de/en/press/ · Type: Primary
- 10. tritoninternational.com — Used for: leasing, triton. Original: https://www.tritoninternational.com/investors · Type: Industry Research
- 11. cimc.com — Used for: manufacturing, cimc. Original: https://www.cimc.com/en/index.php · Type: Industry Research
- 12. 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 Maersk sells 25% stake in Rotterdam terminal to Hapag-Lloyd Michael Angell, Senior Editor, East Coast Ports | The ocean carriers said Rotterdam’s heavily automated Maasvlakte II term…
- sse-scfi-intro
https://en.sse.net.cn/indices/introduction_scfi.jsp
Shanghai Shipping Exchange Institute(Prep.) Home About us Freight Indices Freight Rate Filing About SCFI © 2001-2026Shanghai Shipping Exchange Institute(Prep.) All Rights Reserved. Contact us 沪ICP备2026028769号-2
- sse-indices-hub
https://en.sse.net.cn/indices/ccfinew.jsp
Shanghai Shipping Exchange Institute(Prep.) 进入中文版 Home About us Freight Indices Freight Rate Filing Freight Indices Introduction About Indices Contract Template Indices CCFI SCFI SCFIS CBFI CBCFI CBOFI CBGFI CDFI FDI CTFI CSI CICFI SEAFI SRFTI BRSTI BRTVI BRCVI SRFI GCSPI MTSR C…
- 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…
- cimc-en
https://www.cimc.com/en/index.php
中文 | EN | 繁体 language 中文 EN 繁体 × Home Our Businesses Energy Field Energy, Chemical and Food Equipment Offshore Logistics Field Containers Vehicles Airports, Firefighting and Automated logistics Equipment Logistics Reusable Transport Packaging Other Finance Industry-City De…
- maersk-press
https://www.maersk.com/news
Sign up Popular keywords Press releases Case studies Events News Advisories Rate announcements Press releases Maersk appoints Bruno Plantaz as new Global Head of Solutions 18 Aug 2026 Press releases Maersk expands partnership with Columbia Sportswear with UK warehousing and dist…