Freight market update - 14 August 2025

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• Starting 14 October, vessels owned or operated by Chinese companies will be subject to new US port fees beginning at $50 per net tonne, increasing to $140 by 2028.

• The fees, administered by US Customs and Border Protection, will be collected via the new Pay.gov platform, with non-payment potentially leading to cargo operation bans or denial of departure clearance.

• OOCL has announced a China–Mexico route that avoids direct calls to US ports.

• IN–NEU rates are stabilising in the second half of August after earlier increases, while BD–NEU rates continue to rise on some carriers.

• The Red Sea shipping environment continues to pose significant challenges.

• Shippers using MECL or TP16 services are strongly advised to book as early as possible.

• Transpacific Eastbound services are achieving 98.5% on-time performance into the U.S. West Coast and 90.4% into the East Coast, both exceeding industry averages.

• Research projects the North America freight and logistics market to grow from US$ 1.5 trillion in 2024 to US$ 2.0 trillion by 2031, at a CAGR of 4.0%.

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of automation and real-time tracking systems, enhancing resilience and operational efficiency across the logistics ecosystem.

Read on for more in-depth updates.

Asia → North America

US/CA

Transpacific Trends and Market Updates

• The Transpacific market remains in flux.
• The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) indicates declines in shipments to both the U.S. East and West Coasts, likely influenced by reduced consumer spending and cautious inventory management.
• Space into the Pacific Northwest—particularly Prince Rupert, Vancouver, and Tacoma—remains tight; early booking is strongly advised.
• The East-West Gemini network continues to deliver high reliability.
• Transpacific Eastbound services are achieving 98.5% on-time performance into the U.S. West Coast and 90.4% into the East Coast, both exceeding industry averages.
• Starting 14 October, vessels owned or operated by Chinese companies will be subject to new US port fees beginning at $50 per net tonne, increasing to $140 by 2028.
• The fees, administered by US Customs and Border Protection, will be collected via the new Pay.gov platform, with non-payment potentially leading to cargo operation bans or denial of departure clearance.
• Reduced rates will apply to vessels that are only built in China, and most tankers and dry bulk carriers will be exempt.
• Chinese shipping companies are already reshaping their service networks to reduce exposure to the new charges.
• OOCL has announced a China–Mexico route that avoids direct calls to US ports.
• Analysts anticipate more shipping routes being redirected through Canada and Mexico, along with a rise in intra-regional services between Central and North America to keep cargo moving.
• A shortage of non-Chinese vessels means not all operators can sidestep the fees easily.
• Smaller vessel-sharing agreements involving Chinese carriers may also be reassessed.
• Freight rates have declined since early August.
• Demand remains stagnant, while South East Asian ports continue to record higher export volumes than China.
• Vessel capacity is operating at roughly 70–80% of normal levels, keeping overall space availability healthy.
• Port congestion is minimal, with only slight increases noted on the US East Coast.

Shanghai (SHA)

• USWC: Space is stable, but allotments are less predictable in hot weather; demand for large volumes is low.
• USEC: Space is stable, with earlier increases now leveling off; allotments remain weather-sensitive.
• Ningbo (NGB): Space availability managed on a case-by-case basis.

North China

• Tianjin (TSN): Market slightly heated; freighter services provide earlier ETDs; advance booking is advised.
• Dalian / Beijing (DLC / PEK): Space is stable, but large-volume cargo requires longer lead times and may be split; some block space allocations by UA due to volcanic disruption.
• Qingdao (TAO): Space is slightly tight to the US East Coast but stable to the West Coast; spot space is still available for dense cargo.

South China

• Guangzhou (CAN): Hot weather may limit capacity; availability confirmed on a case-by-case basis.
• Shenzhen (SZX): Market slightly heated; all bookings handled individually with carriers.
• Xiamen (XMN): Space allotments reduced due to hot weather; availability depends on actual flight checks.

Turkey → North America

• Visibility and planning remain key priorities for importers dealing with ongoing tariff-related uncertainty.
• Earlier volatility this year raised expectations of a volume rebound, but this has not materialised consistently.
• Companies are maintaining a strong focus on cost control, streamlined operations, and the adoption of technology—particularly predictive tools—to enhance supply chain performance.
• Businesses are placing greater value on accurate, real-time data to enable faster decision-making.
• Many are shifting from manual tracking across multiple providers and standalone tools toward integrated visibility platforms.
• Whether via managed services or in-house systems, the shared objective is to reduce blind spots, detect disruptions early, and improve control over lead times and costs.
• IN–NEU rates are stabilising in the second half of August after earlier increases, while BD–NEU rates continue to rise on some carriers.
• Heavy monsoon rains are intermittently halting port operations and disrupting inland transport across Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka.
• Chittagong and Colombo ports remain heavily congested, with high yard utilisation and berthing delays.
• No significant equipment shortages are reported, but blank sailings by MSC and CMA are reducing capacity in certain weeks.
• Schedule reliability in May/June reached 69.6%, marking a 7% improvement from April/May and an 18.5% increase year-on-year; the Gemini service remains the most reliable.
• Shippers are advised to book 2–3 weeks in advance to secure preferred sailings.
• Rates are declining in the second half of August, reversing earlier summer highs as demand weakens.
• Strong year-on-year volume growth in early 2025 has slowed, with shippers having frontloaded orders ahead of new U.S.–EU tariffs that took effect on 1 August; westbound volumes are expected to drop significantly for the rest of the year.
• Vessel deployment on North Europe–North America routes remains higher than last year, exerting additional downward pressure on rates.

North America → Turkey

• The Red Sea shipping environment continues to pose significant challenges.
• Shippers using MECL or TP16 services are strongly advised to book as early as possible.
• Peak season volumes are expected soon, leading to rapid declines in available space.
• Flexible shippers could consider rerouting via the U.S. West Coast for temporary relief.
• Even West Coast vessels are likely to encounter capacity constraints in early fall.
• Research projects the North America freight and logistics market to grow from US$ 1.5 trillion in 2024 to US$ 2.0 trillion by 2031, at a CAGR of 4.0%.
• Growth is driven by advancements in transportation infrastructure, rising cross-border trade, and the rapid expansion of e-commerce.
• North America remains a key global logistics hub with highly developed road, rail, sea, and air freight networks enabling efficient domestic and international trade.
• The sector underpins regional and global trade, supporting industries such as manufacturing, retail, automotive, agriculture, and healthcare.
• The market benefits from an integrated supply chain, extensive transport networks, and advanced warehousing capabilities.
• Increasing adoption of digital freight solutions and rising demand for same-day or next-day deliveries are spurring innovation.
• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of automation and real-time tracking systems, enhancing resilience and operational efficiency across the logistics ecosystem.

Terminal Updates

Vessels heading to North America via the North Atlantic Sea are expected to have a change in schedule due to severe weather conditions.

New York:

• Waiting time for both Gemini and non-Gemini vessels at APMT is 6 hours; Maher Terminals LLC also has a 6-hour wait.
• Average gate turn times at APMT are 40 minutes for single transactions and 71 minutes for double transactions; Maher averages 37 minutes.
• Average import rail dwell time is 0.8 days at both APMT and Maher terminals.
• APMT’s final new crane on the East berth is expected to be operational by the end of summer.
• APMT New York is experiencing high demand for gate appointments and may not accommodate all requests, especially on vessel cut-off days.

Norfolk:

• Waiting times for both Gemini and non-Gemini vessels are up to 6 hours.
• At Norfolk International Terminal, average gate turn times are 32 minutes for single transactions and 43 minutes for double transactions.
• At Virginia International Gateway, average gate turn times are 35 minutes for single transactions and 56 minutes for double transactions.
• Average import dwell time stands at 3.1 days.
• North NIT is expected to become operational in late September.

Charleston Terminal:

• No waiting time for Gemini vessels at Wando Welch Terminal; non-Gemini vessels face up to 3 hours’ wait.
• No waiting time at North Charleston Terminal.
• Average truck turn times are 20 minutes at Wando Welch Terminal, 17 minutes at North Charleston Terminal, and 15 minutes at Leatherman Terminal.
• Import dwell times are 8.3 days at Wando Welch Terminal and 5.2 days at North Charleston Terminal.

Savannah:

• Average vessel berth waiting time is up to 2.0 days for Class 1 vessels and up to 2.3 days for Class 2 vessels.
• Average gate turn times are 33 minutes for single transactions and 51 minutes for double transactions.
• Import dwell time is 8.9 days, while rail dwell time is 0.8 days.
• On August 8, the terminal was on standby for all vessels from 16:42 to 20:00 due to severe thunderstorms and heavy rain.
• Some berthing delays are anticipated during the current week.

Houston:

• Waiting times for both Gemini and non-Gemini vessels are up to 3 hours at Barbours Cut Terminal and Bayport Container Terminal.
• At Barbours Cut Terminal, average gate turn times are 34 minutes for single transactions and 54 minutes for double transactions.
• At Bayport Container Terminal, average gate turn times are 34 minutes for single transactions and 52 minutes for double transactions.
• Loaded import dwell time is 3.6 days at Barbours Cut and 3.5 days at Bayport.
• Yard utilisation at Barbours Cut Terminal remains high.

Oakland:

• No waiting time for Gemini vessels at Oakland International Container Terminal; non-Gemini vessels face up to 12 hours’ wait.
• Average import deliveries take up to 4 days.
• Average gate turn time is 90 minutes.

Seattle-Tacoma:

• No waiting time at Husky Tacoma or Seattle terminals.
• Import rail dwell time is 2.2 days at Husky and 3.0 days at Terminal 18 (T18).
• Average gate turn times: 32 minutes at T18; 49 minutes for single transactions and 82 minutes for double transactions at Husky.
• Husky will not operate hoot gates during week 33.

Los Angeles/Long Beach:

• All terminal gates are operating as scheduled, in line with the Pier Pass program.
• Port of Los Angeles has a local import cargo dwell time is 3.0 days.
• On-dock rail dwell time is 5.0 days.
• Import units on the street average 3.9 days for 20 ft containers and 6.3 days for 40+ ft containers.
• Port of Long Beach has a local import dwell times range from 4 to 8 days.
• Long Beach Container Terminal gate turn times average 45–52 minutes, depending on the shift.

Chassis Pools

All pools are operating as normal except:

1. Baltimore - Constrained on 20’ and 40’ chassis.
2. Kansas City - Constrained on 20’ chassis.

Intermodal Operations

Truck power can be secured within 1-3 days for the majority of locations, including marine terminals, rail ramps, and depots.

Port Status

Final Thoughts

In light of the latest updates and trends, the market is currently in the course of showing robust performance and is equipped with ample capacity and resources. Individuals and businesses involved in import/export activities must stay well-informed about market dynamics and strategies to make informed decisions.

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience with your import/export operations, it is recommended to seek guidance from industry experts. Taking proactive measures and staying proactive in your approach will help you navigate the market effectively. We greatly appreciate your continued readership and encourage you to subscribe to our weekly market updates to stay abreast of the latest developments and insights.