The international ocean freight market is currently experiencing a busy peak period. On major trade routes, including transpacific and Asia-Europe routes, we are seeing rates rise, available capacity become scarcer, and transit times come under pressure.
For companies dependent on ocean freight, this requires extra attention to planning. Timely booking, clear priorities, and good coordination with your logistics partner are more important than ever right now.
At Van der Helm, we monitor market developments closely. This allows us to provide the best possible advice regarding available sailings, potential delays, and suitable solutions for your shipments.
What are we seeing in the ocean freight market?
Spot rates have risen sharply in recent weeks. This development is caused by a combination of factors. Demand for ocean freight remains strong, while available capacity is limited. Additionally, port congestion and increasing rollovers mean that shipments are more frequently pushed back to later sailings.
We are also seeing many shippers booking their shipments earlier. This is partly to stay ahead of expected BAF increases in July. Furthermore, potential US tariff changes are playing a role in the planning of international goods flows.
Demand is further bolstered by retailers building up extra stock in anticipation of sales events such as Amazon Prime Day and various mid-year promotions. This further increases the pressure on available space.
Higher rates and additional surcharges
Shipping lines are responding to current market conditions with higher FAK (Freight All Kinds) rates. Additional Peak Season Surcharges are also being implemented for both spot and contract cargo.
For Asia-Europe routes, several shipping lines have already announced additional PSS increases. These increases currently range from USD 300 to USD 500 per TEU.
Although official allocation restrictions have not yet materialized, we are noticing the market becoming tighter. Bookings are more frequently shifted to later sailings and rollovers are on the rise. This can impact the reliability of schedules and the expected arrival dates of goods.
What does this mean for your shipments?
In the current market, early planning is essential. The sooner a shipment is registered, the greater the chance that suitable space will be available on a reliable sailing. Nevertheless, delays and longer transit times cannot be completely ruled out at this time.
We therefore advise you to coordinate your transport planning well in advance wherever possible. Check which shipments are time-critical, which delivery times are fixed, and where flexibility might be possible. This creates more room to evaluate alternative solutions when capacity is limited.
For urgent or time-critical shipments, we ask that you clearly communicate this to our booking department in advance. Together, we will look at the available options. This includes priority services, alternative sailings, or other logistical solutions that minimize the risk of delay as much as possible.
How Van der Helm supports you
At Van der Helm, we understand that uncertainty in the ocean freight market can directly impact your inventory, customer agreements, and supply chain. That is why we proactively think along with you to find the most reliable solution within the available possibilities.
Our teams monitor sailing schedules, capacity, and market developments daily. Based on this, we advise you on realistic transit times, available options, and potential risks. This way, we maintain control over your logistics planning together, even when the market changes.
Do you have ocean freight shipments planned soon, or do you want to know what the current market situation means for your goods? Please get in touch with your regular contact person.