Freight market update - 2 October 2025

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• New port fees targeting Chinese-built and Chinese-operated vessels will begin on 14 October.

• The financial burden will mainly affect Chinese carriers, with HSBC projecting costs exceeding $2 billion for Cosco and OOCL in 2026.

• Demand remains flat for this period, with no notable pre–Golden Week surge, as oversupply in the market keeps volumes subdued.

• MSC maintains the largest weekly capacity share on the Europe–US East Coast trade, averaging about 30% of the market allocation.

• MSC has revised its Karachi service by introducing a Malabar shuttle, cutting overall transit times to North Europe by about five days while maintaining transshipment.

Read on for more in-depth updates.

Asia → North America

US/CA

Transpacific Trends and Market Updates

• New port fees targeting Chinese-built and Chinese-operated vessels will begin on 14 October.
• The decision comes after an investigation found that China’s subsidies and state support helped it dominate global shipbuilding.
• The financial burden will mainly affect Chinese carriers, with HSBC projecting costs exceeding $2 billion for Cosco and OOCL in 2026.
• Non-Chinese carriers can largely sidestep the fees by reallocating fleets, though Sea-Intelligence data shows early signs of Chinese-built ships being withdrawn from the Transpacific trade, with little impact yet on the Transatlantic.
• Carriers such as CMA CGM, MSC, and COSCO have revealed contingency plans, including vessel reassignment and transshipment routes via Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
• Although carriers insist that no surcharge will be passed on to customers, the high costs may still reshape routes and fee structures in ways that significantly affect shippers.
• Demand remains flat for this period, with no notable pre–Golden Week surge, as oversupply in the market keeps volumes subdued.
• September’s second GRI attempt failed, with rates sliding back to pre–1H September levels due to capacity outweighing demand.
• Port congestion is minimal on the U.S. West Coast and improving on the East Coast, with fewer delays than earlier in the year.
• Capacity is projected to peak in week 39, before dropping sharply during Golden Week (EC down ~37%, WC down ~18%).
• USTR fees on Chinese-built and operated vessels at U.S. ports will begin on 14 October, adding cost pressures and potentially altering vessel deployment strategies.
• CMA CGM has confirmed no surcharges in response to USTR port fees, while COSCO may face costs of up to $2.1 billion annually.
• Carriers aim to restore capacity quickly after Golden Week to meet expected demand recovery, keeping overall space availability steady.

Central China

• SHA – USWC: Dense cargo strategy has resumed at LAX, limiting space for heavier freight, while SFO remains stable. Rates are climbing steadily before the holiday, making early booking essential.
• SHA – USEC: Market is tighter due to flight cancellations, driving strong demand for space. Ecommerce volumes are lighter, but general cargo bookings are surging and harder to secure.
• NGB: Market conditions are steady but handled case by case, with space continuing to remain tight.

North China

• TSN: Market is very active, with KE/OZ/JL freighters offering earlier ETDs. Space requires booking at least 4–5 days in advance.
• DLC/PEK: Most carriers are stable, with UA flights back to normal. Dense cargo can still find spot options, but large-volume shipments face higher rates and may need to be split.
• TAO: Market remains hot, especially for East Coast routes where space is extremely tight. Airlines are still providing spot options, but early booking is recommended.

South China

• CAN: Peak season pressures are intensifying, with further increases expected into the weekend. Spot rates depend heavily on flight dates.
• SZX: Market is broadly stable, though rates remain high to both coasts. All bookings require carrier confirmation.
• XMN: Space has tightened significantly ahead of the holiday, with further increases likely. East Coast routes (JFK/ORD) are under the most strain.

Turkey → North America

• The market remains relatively stable, but low rates are expected to face upward pressure as carriers adjust vessel deployments and introduce surcharges to manage risk.
• Congestion persists at major Northern European ports, with high yard utilisation and periodic vessel delays.
• Capacity is being tightly managed, with sharp reductions in weeks 38, 39, and 45, followed by notable increases in weeks 43 and 47.
• MSC maintains the largest weekly capacity share on the Europe–US East Coast trade, averaging about 30% of the market allocation.
• Rates are softening after summer increases, with some carriers reducing prices further through September.
• Volumes from Bangladesh remain under pressure, though congestion at major hubs is starting to ease.
• Operational disruptions persist, with weather-related stoppages affecting flows from Mundra, Kandla, and Nhava Sheva, while Colombo faces yard density issues causing delays of up to two days.
• MSC has revised its Karachi service by introducing a Malabar shuttle, cutting overall transit times to North Europe by about five days while maintaining transshipment.
• Shippers are advised to secure bookings two to three weeks in advance to ensure space and align with target sailings.

North America → Turkey

• North American supply chains are under pressure from tariff shifts, port congestion, and global routing disruptions, leading to longer lead times and variable carrier performance.
• Some manufacturers advanced orders ahead of tariff announcements, while others adjusted sourcing or timing due to uncertainty.
• Lead logistics support is evolving: Businesses are focusing on improving planning accuracy and responding faster to disruptions.
• Companies are increasingly adopting generative AI and orchestration tools for smarter procurement, routing, and fulfillment decisions—but alignment of data, systems, and stakeholders remains crucial.
• Build end-to-end visibility across the supply chain.
• Consolidate transport and inventory data into a single view for early detection of delays.
• Use predictive alerts and exception management tools to act before disruptions impact customers or costs.
• Validate alternative routing options, especially for West Coast congestion or single-lane dependencies.
• TVS Supply Chain Solutions Limited has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art facility in Waterloo, Iowa, strengthening its U.S. presence and enhancing support for local manufacturers.
• The expansion aligns with the company’s ambitious growth strategy and commitment to delivering integrated supply chain solutions in North America.
• TVS SCS North America has recorded a 20% CAGR over the past four years and is now targeting a $500 million revenue milestone, driven by rising demand in the region.
• The new Waterloo facility spans 225,000 square feet and features advanced automation and robotics technology, significantly boosting operational capabilities.

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: 6 hours at APMT (Gemini and non-Gemini vessels), 9 hours at Maher Terminals.
• Average gate turn times: 32 minutes (single) and 65 minutes (double) at APMT; 40 minutes at Maher.
• Average import rail dwell: 0.4 days at APMT, 0.9 days at Maher.
• APMT: Last new crane on East berth expected operational by end of summer.
• Gate demand at APMT is high; limited availability on vessel cut-off days.
• Customers are encouraged to deliver export cargo early in the acceptance window.

Norfolk:

• Waiting time: Up to 6 hours for Gemini and non-Gemini vessels.
• Average gate turn times: 29 / 41 minutes (single/double) at Norfolk International Terminal; 34 / 52 minutes (single/double) at Virginia International Gateway.
• Average import dwell: 3.6 days.
• Four new cranes arriving in September; commissioning set for January 2026.
• North NIT expected to be operational in late September.

Charleston Terminal:

• Waiting time: Up to 3 hours at Wando Welch; no wait at North Charleston Terminal.
• Average truck turn times: 19 minutes (Wando Welch), 18 minutes (North Charleston), 15 minutes (Leatherman).
• Import dwell: 6.9 days at Wando Welch, 3.5 days at North Charleston.

Savannah:

• Waiting time for berth: Up to 2.3 days for both class 1 and class 2 vessels.
• Average gate turn times: 33 minutes (single) and 48 minutes (double).
• Import dwell: 4.9 days; Rail dwell: 1.1 days.

Houston:

• Waiting time: Up to 3 hours for Gemini and non-Gemini vessels at Barbours Cut and Bayport.
• Average gate turn times: 35 minutes (single) and 55 minutes (double) at both terminals.
• Import dwell: 3.6 days at Barbours Cut, 3.5 days at Bayport.
• Equipment: 1 crane down at Barbours Cut, 2 cranes down at Bayport.
• Yard utilisation at Barbours Cut remains high; receiving days and cut-off times adjusted on short notice.

Oakland:

• No waiting time for Gemini and non-Gemini vessels.
• Average import deliveries: Up to 4 days.
• Average gate turn time: 90 minutes.
• Equipment: 2 cranes out of service at Oakland International Container Terminal.

Seattle-Tacoma:

• No waiting time at Husky Tacoma or Seattle.
• Import rail dwell: 2.3 days at Husky, 3 days at Terminal 18 (T18).
• Average gate turn times: 49 minutes at T18; 45 minutes (single) and 71 minutes (double) at Husky.
• Husky will not offer Saturday or hoot gates in week 39.

Los Angeles/Long Beach:

• All terminal gates operating per Pier Pass program.
• Port of Los Angeles dwell times: 3.1 days (local imports), 3.7 days (on-dock rail), 3.8 / 6.7 days (20 ft / 40+ ft containers on street).
• Port of Long Beach dwell times: 4–8 days (local imports).
• Average terminal gate turn times at Long Beach Container Terminal: 45–50 minutes, depending on shift.

Chassis Pools

All pools are operating as normal except:

1. Chicago – Constrained on 20’ chassis.
2. El Paso – Deficit on 40’ chassis.
3. Baltimore – Constrained on 20’ and 40’ 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.