News / Europe and US exporters cheer rate falls, but now face 'vessel pot-luck'

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Backhaul container spot rates are experiencing significant drops, although North Europe and US shippers take “pot-luck” when nominating sailings due to the vast number of blanked voyages on the tradelanes.

These exporters have endured a challenging two years as imports from Asia dictated ocean carrier strategy. But now the tables have turned, and backhaul shippers are being coveted again.

With carrier FAK rates at their peak a year ago, for both Asia to Europe and transpacific headhaul, of up to $20,000 a ...