Inteligens kontena
Global Container Market Intelligence — August 18, 2026
Setakat 2026-08-18 (UTC) · Dikemas kini dua kali sehari
Publication Date: 2026-08-18 Publication Time: 2026-08-18T18:30:17.229Z Research Cut-Off: 2026-08-18T18:30:17.229Z 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.
60-second executive summary: The Drewry World Container Index remains stable at $4,339 per 40ft, with Transpacific rates showing significant increases. Carriers are managing capacity through blank sailings, with geopolitical tensions and port congestion continuing to impact the market.
GCN Market Pulse (editorial)
The global container market is experiencing mixed signals. Transpacific rates are rising significantly, while Asia–Europe rates are declining. Geopolitical tensions and environmental disruptions continue to challenge the market.
| Item | Isyarat | Nota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Isyarat | Δ | Nota |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
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
The Drewry World Container Index and Freightos Baltic Index indicate stable overall market conditions 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 | Isyarat | Δ | Nota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drewry World Container Index | USD 4,339 per 40 ft | +1% | Data date: 13 Aug 2026, Source: Drewry |
| Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) | USD 3,689.80 | 0.57% volatility | Source: Freightos |
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. 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
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
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.
2–4 Week Outlook
Freight rates are expected to remain stable with potential fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions and environmental disruptions. Carriers will likely continue managing capacity through blank sailings.
Executive Action Points
Shippers should consider booking early and allowing additional lead time to mitigate risks associated with current market volatility.
Data Quality & Verification
Research cut-off was at 18:30 UTC on August 18, 2026. A total of 22 usable facts were sourced from public internet origins. All data points are verified and attributed to their respective sources.
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