Global Logistics Update: September 9, 2026

Global shipping conditions are not improving. Supply-side challenges are driving more rate increases and delays.

On the Transpacific Eastbound lanes, carriers achieved a rate increase as of September 1 and are planning another round for September 15. Vessels remain overbooked as the market nears Golden Week, the national holiday in China that runs from October 1-7. A series of major typhoons in recent weeks has resulted in significant congestion at China’s largest ports. Shanghai and Ningbo in particular are experiencing extreme vessel berthing delays. Carriers are continuing to adjust services, blank sailings, and omit port calls as needed to maintain as much fluidity as possible. Effective capacity is down significantly while vessels are held up waiting to berth.

While weather conditions account for much of the recent disruption, it is worth noting that China export volume remains a major factor. Terminal congestion is widely expected to be a significant bottleneck in global ocean freight in the years to come, and China’s export market is likely to continue to grow. Ocean capacity is slated to increase with new vessel deliveries over the next few years, but landside constraints will mitigate effective capacity gains until major infrastructure improvements are made.

At the Panama Canal, authorities are eyeing more daily transit cuts. Slot prices are still surging for carriers. We are seeing some cargo destined for East and Gulf Coast markets diverted to West Coast ports to avoid Panama Canal delays; this trend is expected to increase in the coming months as the water level deteriorates.

In the US, trucking rates are holding at high levels and increasing on key lanes. Capacity remains very tight. Rail delays are becoming more prevalent at West Coast gateways. With some cargoes being diverted to West Coast ports to avoid Panama Canal delays, rail congestion is likely to worsen. Transload and truck solutions may be necessary for time-sensitive shipments.

Congestion is also a major issue in Europe, where labor strikes and low water levels on the Rhine are contributing to terminal and rail delays. Rates have increased this month on Europe to US services, and space is very tight, especially on direct services.

Out of India, services to the US remain very full, and rates continue to climb.

One positive among the plethora of negative supply chain updates is the restoration of many Red Sea services. Carriers including Maersk, MSC, CMA-CGM, and COSCO have reinstituted some Suez Canal services, mostly Asia-Europe strings. More carriers are expected to follow suit in the coming months. The trend is positive for global effective container capacity, though it is not likely to ease capacity constraints in the short-term.

Market challenges are expected to persist through October, and possibly longer. Forecasting and early booking (4-6 weeks in advance) is highly recommended.

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Your CVI team is here to assist you through these current market challenges. Ocean freight, air freight, domestic road/rail, and Customs Compliance – count on our dedicated professionals to care for you and your supply chain. Call us and let us show you what we can do!

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