Trans-Pacific peak season ends as spot rates decline

· Logistics · United States · China

The extended trans-Pacific peak shipping season is winding down, according to the National Retail Federation, with container imports expected to ease through year-end. Spot rates from Asia to the US West Coast are showing their first signs of softening since mid-September. Drewry's World Container Index reported the Shanghai-Los Angeles rate declined 3% week on week to $7,620. Meanwhile, OOCL posted strong third-quarter revenue and volume growth on the trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe lanes, boosted by peak season demand and elevated rates. Intra-Asia freight rates have marginally eased after hitting a post-Covid high before China's Golden Week holiday. The NRF projects that August will be the top month in 2026 for containerized cargo arrivals, signaling the seasonal peak has passed.

Why it matters：The end of peak season and softening spot rates signal a shift in carrier pricing power; how lines manage capacity and contract negotiations in the coming months will determine profitability across major trade lanes.

Key points

  • Drewry's Shanghai-Los Angeles spot rate fell 3% week on week to $7,620.
  • OOCL reported robust Q3 revenue and volume growth on trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe routes.
  • NRF says August was the top month for US containerized imports in 2026.

Sources (original reporting)

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