News / Reefer cargo the new battleground with rates rising and equipment scarce

Container shipping bottlenecks are creating winners and losers in reefer cargo, with consumers footing the bill for the increased logistics costs.

According to Drewry, average reefer freight rates jumped 32% in Q2, and are on track for a 50% increase by the end of Q3.

Increases on the major east-west tradelanes were particularly strong, Drewry noted, where available capacity has seen record demand in recent months, and reefer shippers have to compete with dry freight BCOs for slots.

Traditional north-south routes for perishables ...