Container intelligence
Global Container Market Intelligence — 3 September 2026
As of 2026-09-03 (UTC) · Updated daily
Publication Date: 2026-09-03 Publication Time: 2026-09-03T06:30:25.211Z Research Cut-Off: 2026-09-03T06:30:25.211Z Primary Research Window: Previous 24 hours Extended Research Window: Up to 7 days where necessary Latest indexed observation date (if available): 27 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 World Container Index remains at USD 4,473 per 40ft container as of 27 August 2026, with a 1% decrease noted. Shanghai–New York rates fell by 2% to USD 9,333. Freightos Baltic Index is stable at USD 3,590.00. Port congestion at Shanghai persists with 96-hour wait times. Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to impact shipping routes.
GCN Market Pulse (editorial)
The global container market is experiencing a moderate downturn in freight rates, as evidenced by Drewry's World Container Index. Carriers are managing capacity through blank sailings, which may stabilize rates. Geopolitical tensions and port congestion remain significant factors affecting the market.
| Élément | Signal | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Freight Rates | ↓ | Index direction · as of 27 Aug 2026 |
| Market Volatility | Moderate | From index moves |
| Market Temperature | COOLING | 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.
| Élément | Signal | Δ | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drewry World Container Index | USD 4,473 per 40 ft | −1% | Drewry WCI (public weekly assessment) · Data date: 27 Aug 2026 · Data date: 27 Aug 2026 · Frequency: check source (often weekly for WCI) |
| Shanghai–New York | USD 9,333 per 40 ft | −2% | Drewry WCI assessment · Data date: 27 Aug 2026 · Frequency: check source (often weekly for WCI) |
| Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) | USD 3,590.00 | 0.57% volatility | Freightos public FBX · Frequency: check source (often weekly for WCI) |
Market Temperature (GCN editorial assessment)
The market is experiencing moderate volatility with a slight decrease in freight rates. Capacity adjustments and geopolitical factors are key influences.
What Changed?
Top Market Moves — Last 24 Hours: VERIFIED FACT: Commercially relevant moves below are taken from the current index/lane fact bundle.
- Drewry's World Container Index decreased 1% to USD 4,473 per 40ft container as of 27 August 2026.
- Shanghai–New York rates fell by 2% to USD 9,333 per 40ft container.
- Freightos Baltic Index remains stable at USD 3,590.00 with minor volatility.
- Port congestion at Shanghai persists with average vessel waiting times of 96 hours.
Freight Rate Intelligence
Freight rates have seen a slight decline across major routes, with Drewry's WCI and specific route rates showing decreases. The Freightos Baltic Index remains relatively stable with minor volatility.
VERIFIED EXTERNAL FACT: Latest available index observation date in sourced material: 27 Aug 2026. Weekly/monthly prints keep this date — not automatically "today".
| Élément | Signal | Δ | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drewry World Container Index | USD 4,473 per 40 ft | −1% | Data date: 27 Aug 2026, Source: Drewry |
| Shanghai–New York | USD 9,333 per 40 ft | −2% | Data date: 27 Aug 2026, Source: Drewry |
| Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) | USD 3,590.00 | 0.57% volatility | Source: Freightos |
Carrier Capacity & Blank Sailings
Four blank sailings have been announced for the upcoming week, indicating a slight increase in available capacity compared to the previous week.
Port & Terminal Intelligence
Port congestion at Shanghai persists with average vessel waiting times of 96 hours, up from 35 hours the previous week.
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 27 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,473 per 40 ft (−1%); Shanghai–New York: USD 9,333 per 40 ft (−2%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,590.00 (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 27 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,473 per 40 ft (−1%); Shanghai–New York: USD 9,333 per 40 ft (−2%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,590.00 (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 27 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,473 per 40 ft (−1%); Shanghai–New York: USD 9,333 per 40 ft (−2%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,590.00 (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 27 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,473 per 40 ft (−1%); Shanghai–New York: USD 9,333 per 40 ft (−2%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,590.00 (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 27 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,473 per 40 ft (−1%); Shanghai–New York: USD 9,333 per 40 ft (−2%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,590.00 (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 27 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,473 per 40 ft (−1%); Shanghai–New York: USD 9,333 per 40 ft (−2%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,590.00 (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 decrease in freight rates and the increase in blank sailings suggest carriers are attempting to manage capacity amid fluctuating demand. Geopolitical tensions and port congestion are significant factors influencing current market conditions.
Commercial Implications
Shippers should prepare for potential rate stabilization as capacity management continues. However, geopolitical uncertainties and port congestion may lead to delays, necessitating early bookings and contingency planning.
Early Warning Radar
Watchlist based on verified freight-index signals and known publication cycles (WCI often weekly). Verified index/lane signals (data date 27 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,473 per 40 ft (−1%); Shanghai–New York: USD 9,333 per 40 ft (−2%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,590.00 (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
Watchlist based on verified freight-index signals and known publication cycles (WCI often weekly). Verified index/lane signals (data date 27 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,473 per 40 ft (−1%); Shanghai–New York: USD 9,333 per 40 ft (−2%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,590.00 (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.
2–4 Week Outlook
Freight rates are expected to remain stable with potential fluctuations due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and operational adjustments by carriers.
Executive Action Points
Shippers should consider booking early to avoid potential delays and monitor geopolitical developments closely.
- Book shipments early to mitigate potential delays.
- Monitor geopolitical developments, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
Data Quality & Verification
Research cut-off was at 06:30 UTC on 3 September 2026. A total of 17 sources were used, with no unverified data 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: 27 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