Ocean Freight Market
Capacity & Demand: Booking momentum has softened and is expected to remain subdued in the coming weeks as extra loaders came into the market early July. However, June containerized imports reached near-record levels, leading to efficiency losses at major terminals with longer truck turn times and extended rail dwell times — particularly at Long Beach Container Terminal, where rail delays have exceeded two weeks in some cases. Railcar shortages and equipment imbalances are also appearing on IPI services. Risk factors such as policy changes, weather, and fuel costs remain elevated. Typhoon Bavi made landfall in Taiwan and Zhejiang over the weekend and is expected to disrupt operations at Ningbo this week.
Pricing: Overall rates remained stable week-over-week at elevated levels, with only modest softening observed on certain lanes. Asia–Pacific to US corridors saw some further easing recently, while select routes (notably Taiwan to Europe) have shown strength. Fluctuations are expected later in the month as front-loaded freight eases after the August 7 deadline. However, the structural capacity tightness and geopolitical risks suggest continued volatility. Any escalation in the Gulf situation could quickly reverse recent capacity improvements and exert upward pressure on rates.
Trans-Pac General Rate Increases (GRI):
July 1 GRI cancelled.
July 15 GRI cancelled.
August 1 GRI announced, but unlikely to be fully implemented.
Airfreight Market
Capacity & Demand: Front-loaded freight continued to dominate the market, accelerating Asia-to-US shipments to secure arrival before the August, 7 deadline for new US Tariffs. Volumes shifted from ocean to air, further straining capacity. Global airline capacity increased by a factor of 3% year over year, while volume demands increased 5% year over year, highlighting the disparity between demand and availability.
Pricing: Overall, rates remained stable week over week at heightened levels. Fluctuations are expected later in the month as front-loaded freight tightens capacity on key trans-pac lanes.
The U.S. Market
Domestic trucking remains in a clear upcycle with tight capacity as industrial demand continues to strengthen. US regulations are continuing to pull capacity out of the market, while truckload rejection rates have climbed to multi-year highs.
USWC: As front-loaded ocean freight makes landfall, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles reported one of their busiest Junes on record despite broader economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Rail delays have been particularly pronounced at Long Beach Container Terminal.
USEC: Port operations have seen minimal delays. Congestion around the Port of Savannah has eased significantly following completion of the new port connector.
USMW: Inland rail to Midwest hubs such as Chicago continues to show efficient dwell times, supported in part by e-commerce diversions from coastal routes.
USSW: Some congestion has been reported across Gulf ports, with Houston seeing increased year-over-year volumes as carriers rebalance service loops.
Janel Group continues to closely monitor the market and port situation. Updates will be provided as they become available. To secure a booking or explore additional options for your supplier, please reach out to your Janel Group Representative.
Vice President of Commercial Strategy
Sr. Pricing & Commercial Support Analyst