Container intelligence
Global Container Market Intelligence — 30 August 2026
As of 2026-08-30 (UTC) · Updated daily
Publication Date: 2026-08-30 Publication Time: 2026-08-30T06:31:00.252Z Research Cut-Off: 2026-08-30T06:31:00.252Z 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: 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 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 currently 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 influencing market conditions.
| รายการ | สัญญาณ | หมายเหตุ |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
| รายการ | สัญญาณ | Δ | หมายเหตุ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 0.47% 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 remains at USD 4,473 per 40ft container, reflecting a 1% decrease.
- Shanghai–New York rates fell by 2% to USD 9,333 per 40ft container.
- Freightos Baltic Index is stable at USD 3,590.00 with 0.47% volatility.
- Port congestion at Shanghai persists with vessel waiting times at 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".
| รายการ | สัญญาณ | Δ | หมายเหตุ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 0.47% 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
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 (0.47% volatility). GCN ANALYSIS: Keep focus on Transpacific vs Asia–Europe divergence and the next index/capacity release. Confidence: LOW–MEDIUM.
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 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 (0.47% 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 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 (0.47% 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 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 (0.47% 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 (0.47% 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 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 (0.47% 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 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 (0.47% 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 (0.47% 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 (0.47% 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 (0.47% 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 (0.47% volatility).
- Drewry World Container Index remains at USD 4,473 per 40ft container.
- Shanghai–New York rates fell by 2% to USD 9,333 per 40ft container.
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 (0.47% volatility).
- Potential stabilization of freight rates as carriers manage capacity.
- Continued monitoring of geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
2–4 Week Outlook
Freight rates are expected to remain stable with potential fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions and port congestion.
Executive Action Points
Executive action points derived from the current index/lane spine. 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 (0.47% volatility).
- Consider early bookings to mitigate potential delays.
- Stay informed on geopolitical developments affecting shipping routes.
Data Quality & Verification
Research cut-off was 2026-08-30T06:31:00.252Z. 20 sources were used, ensuring comprehensive coverage of current market conditions.
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: 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. 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
Knowledge
Reference notes on container types, markets and trade corridors.
- drewry-wci-parsed
https://www.drewry.co.uk/supply-chain-advisors/supply-chain-expertise/world-container-index-assessed-by-drewry
{"asOf":"27 Aug 2026","narrative":["Drewry World Container Index (WCI), the benchmark widely referenced by procurement teams, decreased 1% to $4,473 per 40ft container, driven by lower rates on the Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes. Spot rates from Shanghai to New York d…
- freightos-fbx-parsed
https://fbx.freightos.com/
{"asOf":null,"narrative":["Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) currently around USD 3,590.00 (volatility 0.47%)."],"rates":[{"label":"Freightos Baltic Index (FBX)","value":"USD 3,590.00","change":"0.47% 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
Maritime Port News Port infrastructure North American ports Cosco Shipping unveils nearly $3 billion in orders for 18 newbuilds Keith Wallis, Asia Special Correspondent | The larger of the two orders is for a dozen 22,000-TEU ships that the carrier said will “boost [its] competi…
- 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…