News / Carriers pin their hopes for 2017 contracts on spot rates holding firm

© Diego Vito Cervo

The next six weeks are critical for Asia-Europe carriers as they try to nail down improved 2017 contract rates with shippers – and they can ill-afford a major slump in container spot rates during these negotiations.

However, The Loadstar understands that some weaker carriers are still discounting rates significantly to maintain bookings, as shippers become warier of the risk of another container line bankruptcy,.

While the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) slipped another 4.8% for North Europe this week, to $869 per ...