Containerinformatie
Global Container Market Intelligence — August 21, 2026
Vanaf 2026-08-21 (UTC) · Dagelijks twee keer bijgewerkt
Publication Date: 2026-08-21 Publication Time: 2026-08-21T18:30:37.606Z Research Cut-Off: 2026-08-21T18:30:37.606Z Primary Research Window: Previous 24 hours Extended Research Window: Up to 7 days where necessary Latest indexed observation date (if available): 20 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: Drewry's World Container Index remains at $4,526 per 40ft container, reflecting stable market conditions. Transpacific rates have surged by 9% due to strong demand, while Asia–Europe rates have slightly declined. Port congestion is easing in Shanghai and Rotterdam. Carriers continue to manage capacity through blank sailings, with new surcharges announced for September.
GCN Market Pulse (editorial)
The container market is experiencing stability in overall index levels, with significant rate increases on the Transpacific route and minor declines on Asia–Europe routes. Capacity management through blank sailings continues to be a strategic focus for carriers.
| Item | Signaal | Opmerking |
|---|---|---|
| Freight Rates | ↑ | Index direction · as of 20 Aug 2026 |
| Market Volatility | Moderate | From index moves |
| Market Temperature | FIRMING | From freight-rate direction |
Global Container Data Board
Verified external data from Drewry and Freightos indicate stable overall index levels with specific route variations.
| Item | Signaal | Δ | Opmerking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drewry World Container Index | USD 4,526 per 40 ft | +4% | Drewry WCI (public weekly assessment) · Data date: 20 Aug 2026 · Data date: 20 Aug 2026 · Frequency: check source (often weekly for WCI) |
| Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) | USD 3,562.75 | 0.57% volatility | Freightos public FBX · Frequency: check source (often weekly for WCI) |
Market Temperature (GCN editorial assessment)
The market remains stable with contrasting trends on major trade routes. Transpacific rates are increasing due to strong demand, while Asia–Europe rates are slightly 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 4,526 per 40 ft (+4%) · Source/data date: 20 Aug 2026. Status: UPDATED (latest available observation — not necessarily a same-day print). Confidence: HIGH.
- #2 Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,562.75 (0.57% volatility). Status: UPDATED (latest available observation — not necessarily a same-day print). Confidence: HIGH.
Freight Rate Intelligence
Freight rates exhibit mixed trends, with significant increases on the Transpacific route and slight declines on the Asia–Europe route. Drewry's World Container Index remains unchanged at $4,526 per 40ft container as of August 20, 2026.
| Item | Signaal | Δ | Opmerking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drewry World Container Index | USD 4,526 per 40 ft | +4% | Drewry WCI (public weekly assessment) · Data date: 20 Aug 2026 · Data date: 20 Aug 2026 · Frequency: check source (often weekly for WCI) |
| Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) | USD 3,562.75 | 0.57% volatility | Freightos public FBX · Frequency: check source (often weekly for WCI) |
Carrier Capacity & Blank Sailings
Carriers continue to manage capacity through blank sailings, with seven cancellations announced for the next week. Capacity in August declined 9% MoM on Asia to USEC and fell 0.4% MoM on Asia to USWC, further tightening space availability.
Port & Terminal Intelligence
Port congestion at Shanghai and Rotterdam has eased but remains elevated, with average vessel waiting times of 32.3 hours and 25.0 hours, respectively.
Physical Container Equipment
No material verified change identified in physical container equipment availability. Current indices reflect stable market conditions.
Container Prices & Leasing
No material verified change identified in container purchase or leasing prices. Current indices reflect stable market conditions.
Carrier, Lessor & Manufacturer Moves
No material verified change identified in this domain since the previous edition. Verified index/lane signals (data date 20 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,526 per 40 ft (+4%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,562.75 (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
Demand on the Transpacific trade remains resilient, contributing to rate increases. Asia–Europe demand shows signs of softening, reflected in slight rate declines.
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
Regional markets show 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 20 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,526 per 40 ft (+4%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,562.75 (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 20 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,526 per 40 ft (+4%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,562.75 (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 20 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,526 per 40 ft (+4%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,562.75 (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. The stability in overall index levels suggests a balanced market environment.
Commercial Implications
Shippers should anticipate potential rate increases on the Transpacific route and plan for possible delays due to ongoing capacity management and geopolitical tensions. Early booking and additional lead time are recommended to mitigate risks.
Early Warning Radar
Watchlist based on verified freight-index signals and known publication cycles (WCI often weekly). Verified index/lane signals (data date 20 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,526 per 40 ft (+4%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,562.75 (0.57% volatility).
- Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,526 per 40 ft (+4%)
- Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,562.75 (0.57% volatility)
Next 7 Days
Watchlist based on verified freight-index signals and known publication cycles (WCI often weekly). Verified index/lane signals (data date 20 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,526 per 40 ft (+4%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,562.75 (0.57% volatility).
- Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,526 per 40 ft (+4%)
- Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,562.75 (0.57% volatility)
2–4 Week Outlook
Freight rates are expected to remain stable due to tightened capacity, with potential fluctuations influenced by geopolitical developments and capacity management strategies.
Executive Action Points
Executive action points derived from the current index/lane spine. Verified index/lane signals (data date 20 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,526 per 40 ft (+4%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,562.75 (0.57% volatility).
- Monitor Transpacific rate trends closely and adjust pricing strategies accordingly.
- Consider early bookings to avoid potential delays and rate increases.
- Stay informed on geopolitical developments that may impact shipping routes.
Data Quality & Verification
Research cut-off was August 21, 2026, at 18:30 UTC. A total of 20 sources were used, with no unverified-as-facts data.
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: 20 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. 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
- 5. en.sse.net.cn — Used for: freight_rates, ccfi, sse. Original: https://en.sse.net.cn/indices/ccfinew.jsp · 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
- 10. cimc.com — Used for: manufacturing, cimc. Original: https://www.cimc.com/en/index.php · Type: Industry Research
- 11. joc.com — Used for: business_news, joc. Original: https://www.joc.com/maritime-news · Type: Industry Research
- 12. maersk.com — Used for: shipping_lines, maersk. Original: https://www.maersk.com/news · Type: Industry Research