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US Container Rates Are Falling. The East Coast Broke First.

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Transpacific container rates fell again in the first week of November 2026, and the East Coast is now falling faster than the West Coast. Shanghai–Los Angeles sits at $7,539 per 40ft on the Drewry WCI, unchanged week over week. Shanghai–New York dropped 3% to $9,303. On the Shanghai Shipping Exchange index, the East Coast fell below $10,000 for the first time in 11 weeks. NRF expects November US import volume to land at 2.05 million TEU, down about 9% from October. For an importer, that sounds like good news. It is not the whole story. On the same lane, in the same week, 40HQ quotes from our own booking desk ranged from $5,670 to $11,330. The index is an average. Nothing on the market is priced at the average. The Numbers: Two Indexes, One Direction Two benchmarks matter for China–US ocean freight. They sample different carriers, different booking windows and different rate types, so they rarely agree. This week they agreed on direction. Benchmark Lane Rate (per 40ft) We...
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Sea Freight From China to the USA, Priced for a 343% Market

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By Charlie Chan · Last updated: November 12, 2026 · 7 min read Charlie Chan 20 years on the USA line. TL;DR:  Far East to US West Coast spot rates have climbed  343%  since the end of February, and fuel surcharges are still moving. In a market like this, the forwarder you pick changes your cost more than the forecast does. This is what we do differently on China to USA sea freight:  all-in quotations  (base, fuel, origin, destination — one number),  both spot and contract  priced side by side,  booking dates built on warehouse delivery, not carrier ETA , and dedicated handling for FBA, TikTok Shop FBT and DDP door-to-door cargo. A rate spike does not create most of the losses people blame on it. The spike is public information — everyone sees the same 343%. What the spike actually punishes is a specific set of habits. Quoting on the base rate and discovering the fuel surcharge later. Booking on the carrier's ETA and missing the warehouse appointme...
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China-Europe Rail Freight vs TIR Road Freight: Which Is Better for European Importers?

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As trade between China and Europe continues to develop, importers are looking for reliable, flexible, and cost-effective international shipping solutions. For many European businesses, China-Europe rail freight and TIR road freight are two important options. But which one is better for your shipment? The answer depends on your cargo, delivery requirements, destination, budget, and supply chain strategy. In this guide, we compare both transportation methods and explain when TIR road freight may be a practical alternative. Table of Contents 1. What Is China-Europe Rail Freight? 2. What Is TIR Road Freight? 3. Rail Freight vs TIR Road Freight 4. When Should Importers Choose TIR Road Freight? 5. What Should You Prepare Before Shipping? 6. How STU Supply Chain Can Help 1. What Is China-Europe Rail Freight? China-Europe rail freight connects major Chinese logistics hubs with destinations across Europe through international railway networks. It is often considered a balance bet...
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A 369-Metre Ship Just Ended a Three-Year Detour — And Your China-to-Europe Freight Quote Hasn't Noticed Yet

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Published November 2026  |  11 min read |  Asia–Europe ocean freight, Suez Canal return, capacity & rate analysis The short version: Evergreen's Ever Eon (16,556 TEU) transited the Suez Canal eastbound on 7 November 2026 — the first Evergreen ship to do so in nearly three years. Evergreen was the last Ocean Alliance holdout. Roughly 60% of Asia–Europe capacity is already back on the Suez routing (Drewry), and a full industry return is expected by Q1 2027 (Linerlytica). The catch: shorter loops release 6–8% of global container capacity, which pushes rates down — but bunched arrivals at European ports can push your landed date out. Cheaper freight and later delivery can happen in the same quarter. Before your next PO, re-check the routing on your quote, not just the price . A 369-metre container ship slipped through the Suez Canal on 7 November 2026, sailing east from the Netherlands toward Singapore. No press conference. No fireworks. Just the Ever Eon —...
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Why Your US Inland Shipments Are Stuck: The Hidden Rail Crisis No One Is Talking About

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The ocean freight may have arrived on time, but your cargo is effectively trapped. U.S. RAIL CONGESTION: THE INLAND SHIPPING CRISIS For many importers, getting containers off the vessel is only half the battle. Once your goods hit US rail ramps and intermodal yards, they often vanish into a black hole of congestion, chassis shortages, and crippling delays. Why are US rail bottlenecks worsening, and more importantly, how can supply chain managers bypass these inland traps before demurrage fees spiral out of control? 👉 Read the full breakdown and mitigation strategies here: 👉 Click here to read the complete analysis on STU Supply Chain
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