Transpacific ocean freight in August 2026 is entering another period of tighter capacity, increasing rate pressure and greater routing complexity. For U.S. importers moving cargo from Asia, the next several weeks deserve particular attention as blank sailings, General Rate Increases, equipment constraints and Panama Canal conditions converge ahead of September. Current market intelligence provided to Global Logistical Connections indicates that 14 blank sailings are scheduled … Read More
PierPASS TMF Increase: What Importers Need to Know
Importers moving containers through Southern California’s San Pedro Bay port complex should update their landed-cost forecasts. Effective August 1, 2026, the PierPASS Traffic Mitigation Fee, or TMF, at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach increased by 4.77%. The new rate is $40.63 per twenty-foot equivalent unit, or TEU, and $81.26 for containers of all other sizes. The increase applies to non-exempt containers handled … Read More
Ocean Freight Q3 2026: BAF Surcharges Are Rising. Here’s What Importers Should Review Before Booking
Ocean Freight Q3 2026 is entering a more complex pricing and capacity environment. For importers, the challenge is no longer simply finding the lowest base ocean rate. Fuel-related surcharges, early peak-season demand, carrier capacity management, blank sailings, and tighter booking windows are all influencing the true cost and reliability of moving cargo. One of the biggest changes came with the July quarterly fuel surcharge reset. … Read More
Transpacific Rates Are Surging: What Importers Need to Review Before Q3
Transpacific ocean freight rates are moving quickly again, and importers that are still planning against Q1 assumptions may need to revisit their Q3 strategy now. The issue is not only the base ocean rate. The current market is being shaped by early peak-season demand, carrier capacity management, blank sailings, fuel-related pressure, and new peak season surcharges. For importers moving goods from Asia into the United … Read More
Ocean Freight Rates Are Climbing Again: What Shippers Need to Know for June and July 2026
Ocean freight rates have been climbing steadily for the past several weeks, and the pace is accelerating heading into June and July 2026. For importers shipping from China and from South America, the numbers moving through the market right now are not projections. They are active carrier filings, confirmed General Rate Increases, and spot rate data already reflecting a sharp upward move. If your team … Read More
25% Tariffs on Countries “Doing Business” With Iran
In mid-January 2026, multiple major outlets reported that President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff targeting any country that “does business” with Iran, described as effective immediately via a social media statement. For supply chain leaders, the headline isn’t just “a new tariff.” It’s the uncertainty: Which countries qualify? What counts as “doing business”? Will CBP publish implementation guidance? Will it stack on top of … Read More
Port of Oakland Faces Volume Fluctuations Amid Global Trade Changes
The Port of Oakland, a critical gateway for U.S.-Asia trade, is experiencing significant shifts in cargo volumes due to evolving tariffs and trade policies. These changes are altering shipping patterns, prompting companies to reevaluate supply chain strategies and port utilization. Recent tariff adjustments have increased costs for certain imports, influencing the volume of goods moving through Oakland. As carriers adjust routes to optimize profitability, shippers … Read More
China’s growth slows as Trump tariff war and property slump bite
China’s growth trajectory has weakened as two powerful forces converge: an intensified tariff campaign from the United States and the ongoing drag from a troubled property market. Together, these factors are reducing domestic consumption, slowing investment, and altering patterns of global trade, with real consequences for shipping volumes, routing decisions, and inventory strategies worldwide. For supply-chain and logistics leaders, the shift is practical, not theoretical. … Read More
How U.S. Tariffs Quietly Crushed Peak Shipping Season
As August 1st approaches, it’s clear that this year’s peak season never truly arrived. Despite ocean carriers’ attempts to raise freight rates through a General Rate Increase (GRI), market conditions simply wouldn’t cooperate. Soft demand, shifting tariff timelines, and volatile policy swings under the so-called “TACO” strategy have upended traditional shipping cycles. Rates for August are now falling, not rising, and with booking volumes down … Read More
Imminent Gulf Coast Ports Strike Set to Begin in October
As the possibility of a strike at the US East and Gulf Coast ports looms, the global logistics and shipping industry is bracing for significant disruptions. Set to commence on October 1, this strike could create a ripple effect across international supply chains, affecting everything from freight costs to delivery timelines. The upcoming strike stems from a deep-rooted conflict between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) … Read More