Transpacific rates hold near highs as carriers push $3,000 November hikes

· Logistics · United States · China

Container rates on the Asia-US route remain firm despite cooling demand, as carriers pursue rate increases of about $3,000 for November and a potential Los Angeles-Long Beach strike adds uncertainty to the market. Alphaliner analysis shows the transpacific is by far the most profitable major container trade, with carriers earning up to $1.30 per nautical mile on spot shipments from China to the US west coast. Zim has added a third China-US west coast express service to capture the freight surge, as eastbound spot rates hover near their 2026 high late into the traditional peak shipping season. The widening gap between the transpacific and other major trades underscores how strongly capacity and demand on this lane are shaping carrier economics heading into contract season.

Why it matters：The transpacific's outsized profitability is pulling capacity onto the lane and will set the tone for transpacific contract talks, with strike risk adding a potential cost shock for shippers.

Key points

  • Carriers earn up to $1.30 per nautical mile on China-US west coast spot shipments.
  • Eastbound spot rates are near 2026 highs late in peak season.
  • Zim launched a third China-USWC express service.

Sources (original reporting)

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