While there was an abrupt increase in rates at the beginning of the year, a stabilization of the market can recently be observed. As a result of the tensions in the Red Sea area, shipping routes are still being diverted and surcharges have been implemented across all modalities. No deescalation of the situation in the Middle East is expected in the short term. Maintaining or reducing rates is therefore a ray of hope that offers no long-term guarantee.
Below we provide you with a summary of the most important changes.
Ocean freight
- Import Asia
The rates for the import of full containers from China and South East Asia to Europe have decreased substantially in recent weeks. As usual, we absorb these rate fluctuations with our variable PSS surcharge.
- North America export & import FCL/LCL
On the North Atlantic shipping routes we currently see corresponding rates for Q2, 2024. Shipping companies have also extended the rates for the routes to and from Chicago. We see no significant changes in either import or export FCL/LCL.
- Other sailing areas
We will continue to monitor the market with our sea freight rates for the other shipping areas in which we are active, such as the Middle East, South America and Australia.
Air freight
We have not seen any major changes in recent weeks for either the import or export rates for shipments to and from North America. Air freight rates have remained unchanged or even decreased slightly. However, we are receiving opposite signals from Asia. The current situation is characterized as a demand market, resulting in increasing import tariffs from Asia. Limited cargo space drives the price up and strong fluctuations can be observed on a weekly basis.
Road transport
Current oil prices affect rates for road transport activities on a global scale. As you have come to expect from us, we update our FSC (Fuel Surcharge) monthly, which expresses the percentage of current fuel prices.
Surcharges
As always, we will charge you the well-known surcharges for fuel (BAF, LSSC, FSC), currency risks (CAF) and security (SSC, ISPS) as per outlay.