Global Logistics Update: November 6, 2026

The Transpacific Eastbound trade has entered the traditional slack season between Golden Week and Lunar New Year. Vessel space constraints have loosened, but ships remain quite full and spot rates and peak season surcharges remain elevated. There are mixed messages on the outlook. Many importers report steady or increasing volumes over the next 2-3 months, while others are slowing a bit. Data center cargoes are still powering much of the market, including air freight, which is expected to remain strong through the holidays.

In Europe, challenges persist, including terminal congestion and delays, inland equipment availability, and draft limitations on barge routes that limit effective capacity. Ocean freight rates have mostly stabilized. Air freight rates and volumes are quite high, and the switchover to airline winter flight schedules, combined with staffing shortages (especially in Germany), is leading to delays.

At the Panama Canal, slightly better water-level conditions have allowed for an increase in daily vessel transits. However, the longer-term outlook still indicates that low water will be an issue into 2027.

On the US front, there are a number of challenges at the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach. There is a threatened strike by a relatively small group of ILWU security workers; the strike has been delayed twice, most recently to a midnight, Friday, November 6 deadline. Negotiations between the employers, PMA, and the ILWU continue. A strike currently seems unlikely, but if it were to occur, disruptions could be significant.

Delays persist for containers moving from LA/LB port to the rail. The ports collectively reported record inbound volumes for September 2026. We are also seeing long wait times for truckers entering the port. Missed appointments and detention charges for wait time are increasingly common.

This weekend, the Vincent Thomas Bridge, one of two main connections between the LA/LB terminal complex and the surrounding interstates, is closing for a rehabilitation project that is expected to last at least 16 months. Port officials have assured the industry that pre-planned detours will mitigate impacts. However, there are concerns that this project could create more landside congestion at the country’s largest gateway.

Truck capacity remains a challenge nationwide. On top of high fuel prices, tight capacity has driven rate increases across all truck modes.

Securing capacity early on all modes is highly recommended.

Rachel Shames
VP, Pricing & Procurement
CV International, Inc.
 

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