Freight market update - 21 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 and increasing to $140 by 2028.

• The fees will be enforced by US Customs and Border Protection and collected through a new Pay.gov system.

• Demand remains steady, while Southeast Asian ports continue to show stronger export volumes compared to China.

• Vessel capacity is currently operating at about 70–80% of normal levels, keeping overall space availability in good condition.

• The global project logistics market was valued at USD 443.60 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 701.51 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% (2025–2033).

• Asia Pacific led the global market in 2024, holding the largest revenue share of 38.6%.

• The global folding intermediate bulk container (IBC) market is projected to grow from USD 814.2 million in 2025 to nearly USD 1.2 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 5.4%.

• Folding IBCs cut empty-return freight volume by up to 70%, lowering both back-haul expenses and carbon emissions.

Read on for more in-depth updates.

Asia → North America

US/CA

Transpacific Trends and Market Updates

• Starting 14 October, vessels owned or operated by Chinese companies will be subject to new US port fees beginning at $50 per net tonne and increasing to $140 by 2028.
• The fees will be enforced by US Customs and Border Protection and collected through a new Pay.gov system.
• Failure to pay could result in bans on cargo operations or denial of departure clearance.
• Vessels that were only built in China will face lower rates.
• Most tankers and dry bulk carriers will be exempt from these charges.
• Chinese shipping companies are already adjusting their service networks to reduce exposure.
• OOCL, for instance, has launched a new China–Mexico service that avoids direct calls to the US.
• Analysts predict more cargo will be routed through Canada and Mexico to bypass US ports.
• Additional growth is expected in intra-regional services between Central and North America to keep trade moving.
• Limited access to non-Chinese tonnage means not all carriers can sidestep the fees easily.
• Smaller vessel-sharing agreements with Chinese operators may also be reconsidered.
• Rates have decreased since early August.
• Demand remains steady, while Southeast Asian ports continue to show stronger export volumes compared to China.
• Vessel capacity is currently operating at about 70–80% of normal levels, keeping overall space availability in good condition.
• Port congestion is generally low, with only minor increases noted along the US East Coast.

Shanghai (SHA)

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

North China

• Tianjin (TSN): Market slightly hot; freighter services provide earlier ETDs. Advance booking recommended.
• Dalian / Beijing (DLC / PEK): Space stable, but high-volume cargo requires longer lead times and may be split. Some block space by UA due to volcanic disruption.
• Qingdao (TAO): Space slightly tight to East Coast but stable to West Coast; spot space available for dense shipments.

South China

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

Turkey → North America

• The global folding intermediate bulk container (IBC) market is projected to grow from USD 814.2 million in 2025 to nearly USD 1.2 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 5.4%.
• Growth is being fueled by the need to reduce supply-chain costs and comply with stricter sustainability regulations.
• Folding IBCs cut empty-return freight volume by up to 70%, lowering both back-haul expenses and carbon emissions.
• Their hygienic design makes them ideal for industries dealing with high-purity or hazardous materials.
• Market investments are targeting specific product types and capacities that meet modern supply-chain requirements.

Capacity Trends

• The 501–1000 liters segment leads the market with a 47.1% share in 2025.
• This capacity strikes the best balance between ease of handling and ample storage volume.
• Widely used in chemicals, food & beverages, and pharmaceuticals due to efficiency in loading/unloading and minimizing downtime.

Material Trends

• Plastic folding IBCs are forecast to dominate with a 74.8% share by 2035.
• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is the preferred material for its durability, lightweight design, and chemical resistance.
• Their collapsible structure allows containers to fold flat when empty, cutting storage and return shipping costs.
• Reusability and recyclability further enhance their appeal in line with global sustainability goals.

Market Trends

• Rising demand for same-day delivery services.
• Increasing adoption of automated warehouse systems.
• Expansion of cross-border logistics services.
• Advancements in real-time tracking technologies.
• Growing need for last-mile delivery solutions.

Market Drivers

• Stronger demand for faster delivery times.
• Ongoing growth in global trade.
• Expansion of e-commerce and online shopping.
• Continuous improvements in logistics technologies.
• Rising need for efficient supply chain management.

Market Challenges

• Persistently high fuel costs.
• Heavy dependence on global supply chains.
• Ongoing logistical inefficiencies.
• Complex regulatory challenges across regions.
• Heightened security concerns during transit.

Market Opportunities

• Expansion into emerging markets with rising trade volumes.
• Increasing demand for last-mile delivery services.
• Wider adoption of automated logistics solutions.
• Growing need for temperature-sensitive transportation.
• Rising investments in sustainable logistics practices.

North America → Turkey

• The global project logistics market was valued at USD 443.60 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 701.51 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% (2025–2033).
• Growth is driven by the rapid expansion of large-scale infrastructure, energy, mining, and industrial development projects worldwide.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• Asia Pacific led the global market in 2024, holding the largest revenue share of 38.6%.
• Within Asia Pacific, China maintained a dominant position in the market in 2024.
• By service, the transportation segment held the top spot with 57.6% revenue share in 2024.
• By transportation mode, the road segment accounted for the largest share in 2024.
• By end-use industry, the oil & gas sector represented the leading revenue share in 2024.
• IN–NEU rates are stabilising in the second half of August after early-month increases.
• 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 remain highly congested, with high yard utilisation and berthing delays.
• Equipment availability remains stable, though MSC and CMA blank sailings are reducing capacity in certain weeks.
• Schedule reliability in May/June reached 69.6% — up 7% from April/May and 18.5% year-on-year; Gemini service recorded the highest reliability.
• Shippers are advised to book 2–3 weeks in advance to secure preferred sailings.

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 Gemini and non-Gemini vessels at APMT and Maher Terminals is around 6 hours.
• Average gate turn times at APMT are 49 minutes (single) and 78 minutes (double).
• Average gate turn time at Maher Terminals is 35 minutes.
• Average import rail dwell time is 0.5 days at APMT and 0.9 days at Maher.
• APMT’s last new crane on the East berth will be operational by the end of summer.
• APMT New York faces high demand for gate appointments, especially on vessel cut-off days.
• Export cargo should be delivered early in the acceptance window for better appointment availability.

Norfolk:

• Waiting time is up to 6 hours for Gemini vessels and up to 12 hours for non-Gemini vessels.
• Average gate turn times at Norfolk International Terminal are 28 minutes (single) and 39 minutes (double).
• Average gate turn times at Virginia International Gateway are 40 minutes (single) and 62 minutes (double).
• Average import dwell time is 2.7 days.
• North NIT is expected to be operational by late September.

Charleston Terminal:

• Waiting time at Wando Welch Terminal: 6 hrs for Gemini vessels and up to 12 hrs for non-Gemini vessels.
• No waiting time at North Charleston Terminal.
• Average truck turn times: 18 minutes (Wando Welch), 16 minutes (North Charleston), 16 minutes (Leatherman).
• Import dwell time: 7.3 days (Wando Welch) and 4.8 days (North Charleston).

Savannah:

• Average vessel berth waiting time is up to 2.0 days for both class 1 and class 2 vessels.
• Average gate turn times: 31 minutes (single) and 52 minutes (double).
• Average import dwell time is 6.2 days.
• Average rail dwell time is 0.9 days.

Houston:

• Waiting times for Gemini and non-Gemini vessels are up to 3 hours at both Barbours Cut and Bayport Container Terminals.
• Average gate turn times: 35 minutes (single) and 56 minutes (double) at Barbours Cut; 33 minutes (single) and 51 minutes (double) at Bayport.
• Loaded import dwell time: 3.6 days at Barbours Cut and 3.5 days at Bayport.
• Yard utilization at Barbours Cut remains high, with the Port of Houston adjusting receiving days and cut-off times on short notice.

Oakland:

• Average import deliveries take up to 4 days.
• Average gate turn time is 78 minutes.

Seattle-Tacoma:

• No vessel waiting time at Husky Tacoma or Seattle.
• Import rail dwell time: 2.5 days at Husky and 3 days at Terminal 18 (T18).
• Average gate turn times: 42 minutes at T18; 51 minutes (single) and 81 minutes (double) at Husky (F-Lot & Terminal combined).
• Husky will not offer Saturday or hoot gates in week 34.

Los Angeles/Long Beach:

• All terminal gates are operating as published and in line with the Pier Pass program.
• Port of Los Angeles dwell times: 3.0 days (local imports), 4.7 days (on-dock rail), and 3.7 / 5.8 days for 20 ft / 40+ ft import units on street.
• Port of Long Beach dwell times for local imports remain at 4–8 days.
• Average gate turn time at Long Beach Container Terminal is 46–54 minutes, depending on the shift.

Chassis Pools

All pools are operating as normal except:

1. Chicago - Constrained on 40’ chassis.
2. Columbus– Deficit on 20’ and 40’ chassis.
3. Nashville – Constrained on 40’ chassis.
4. Baltimore – Constrained on 20’ and 40’ chassis.
5. 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.