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World Container Index - 14 May
For many years, World Container Index (WCI) has been the go-to, independent, global reference for index-linked contracts. If your organisation is considering index-linked contracts or requires regional visibility/coverage beyond the eight trade lanes provided below, contact our ocean freight cost benchmarking team.
Double-digit spot rate increases driven by early peak season and carrier surcharges.
Drewry World Container Index (US$/40ft)
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WCI Trade Routes from Shanghai (US$/40ft)
Source: Drewry World Container Index, Drewry Supply Chain Advisors
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Our detailed assessment for Thursday, 14 May 2026
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) surged 12% to $2,553 per 40ft container, due to higher freight rates on Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes.
On the Transpacific trade route, rates surged this week due to the implementation of Emergency Fuel Surcharges (EFS) and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) by carriers. Freight rates from Shanghai to New York increased 14% to $4,252 per 40ft container, and those from Shanghai to Los Angeles rose 10% to $3,357 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, seven blank sailings have been announced on the Transpacific trade route for the next week, as carriers continue to manage capacity. In addition, Yang Ming Line announced a GRI of $2,000 per 40ft container effective 15 May. Drewry expects rates to increase further in the coming week.
On the Asia–Europe trade route, spot rates also increased this week due to FAK, along with capacity cuts announced by carriers in May. Rates from Shanghai to Genoa increased 20% to $3,701 per 40ft container, and those from Shanghai to Rotterdam jumped 11% to $2,413 per 40ft container. The Asia-Europe peak season is expected to start earlier than usual as higher cargo bookings, tight vessel space, and disruptions linked to the US/Israel-Iran conflict are prompting shippers to move cargo earlier. As demand is rebounding, Drewry expects rates to increase further in the coming week
Middle East tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea remain under close watch, with carriers staying cautious on routing and operations amid ongoing US/Israel-Iran conflict concerns. Meanwhile, higher bunker prices and tight vessel space continue to support freight rates. Carriers are also actively adjusting pricing through EFS, PSS, GRI and firmer FAK levels, alongside blank sailings and flexible capacity management strategies, keeping the market firm despite relatively stable vessel movement.
Spot freight rates by major route
Our assessment across eight major East-West trades
Source: Drewry Supply Chain Advisors
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WCI Methodology
Ocean spot market freight rates against 6,700 global port pairs
If you need spot market container freight rate information on other routes to those above, find out more about our Container Freight Rate Insight (CFRI) online service, which covers 6,700 global port pairs updated monthly (2,450 updated fortnightly).
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