Container intelligence
Global Container Market Intelligence — August 14, 2026
As of 2026-08-14 (UTC) · Updated daily
Publication Date: 2026-08-14 Publication Time: 2026-08-14T18:30:28.206Z Research Cut-Off: 2026-08-14T18:30:28.206Z 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: 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: The Drewry World Container Index remains stable at $4,339 per 40ft container. Freightos Baltic Index shows slight volatility at $3,686.50. Transpacific rates are rising, while Asia–Europe rates decline. Carriers continue blank sailings to manage capacity. Geopolitical tensions and environmental disruptions persist.
GCN Market Pulse (editorial)
The global container market is experiencing mixed signals, with rising rates on Transpacific routes contrasted by declines on Asia–Europe routes. Geopolitical tensions and environmental disruptions, such as typhoon impacts and low-water conditions, continue to challenge supply chains.
| 项目 | 信号 | 说明 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
| 项目 | 信号 | Δ | 说明 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 3,686.50 | 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.
What Changed?
Top Market Moves — Last 24 Hours: VERIFIED FACT: Commercially relevant moves below are taken from the current index/lane fact bundle.
- Drewry WCI stable at $4,339 per 40ft container, driven by higher Transpacific rates (Drewry, 13 Aug 2026).
- Freightos Baltic Index shows slight volatility at $3,686.50 (Freightos).
- Transpacific rates continue to rise with Shanghai to New York up 10% to $8,706 per 40ft (Drewry).
- Asia–Europe rates decline, with Shanghai to Genoa down 8% to $5,080 per 40ft (Drewry).
- Carriers plan additional blank sailings to manage capacity (Drewry).
Freight Rate Intelligence
The Drewry World Container Index and Freightos Baltic Index indicate a stable market 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".
| 项目 | 信号 | Δ | 说明 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drewry World Container Index | USD 4,339 per 40 ft | +1% | Data date: 13 Aug 2026, Source: Drewry |
| Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) | USD 3,686.50 | 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 3,686.50 (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 3,686.50 (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 3,686.50 (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 3,686.50 (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 3,686.50 (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 3,686.50 (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 3,686.50 (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 3,686.50 (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 scheduling and costs.
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 3,686.50 (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 3,686.50 (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
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 3,686.50 (0.57% volatility). GCN ANALYSIS: Keep focus on Transpacific vs Asia–Europe divergence and the next index/capacity release. Confidence: LOW–MEDIUM.
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 3,686.50 (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.
Data Quality & Verification
Research cut-off was at 18:30 UTC on 14 August 2026. A total of 19 usable facts were verified and utilized. No unverified data was 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: 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. 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
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":"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 3,686.50 (volatility 0.57%)."],"rates":[{"label":"Freightos Baltic Index (FBX)","value":"USD 3,686.50","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
Breakbulk News Energy projects Project cargo Red Sea safety conditions sufficient for full return: Maersk CEO Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Despite an attack on a cargo ship this week that killed six, Vincent Clerc says the carrier's own analysis, together with input…
- 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…
- maersk-press
https://www.maersk.com/news
News & Advisories | Maersk Latest news Press releases Maersk delivers strong Q2 and raises full year guidance Maersk grew volumes across all segments and delivered a strong financial performance in Q2, with revenue increasing 20% year-on-year to USD 15.8bn, EBIT lifted to USD 1.…