News / Carriers prioritise transpacific boxes over Europe as spot rates hit new heights

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The acute equipment shortage in Asia means containers are being prioritised for higher-paying transpacific spot cargo.

The China to US components of today’s Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) recorded another big jump in spot rates, after the implementation by carriers of a sixth consecutive successful GRI on 1 September.

Spot rates to the west coast jumped a further $119 on the week, to a record $3,758 per 40ft, a staggering 129% higher than at the beginning of the year and 140% above ...