Freight rates have continued to soften, however, rates remain above historical averages due to ongoing market pressures and geopolitical factors. Capacity continues to be constrained as equipment shortages and fluctuating demand create challenges, particularly with ongoing geopolitical disruptions, leading to delays and higher costs.
Rates Softening into March
Shanghai-Rotterdam slipping to $2,636 per 40ft and Shanghai-Genoa down to $3,745 per 40ft*. We expect to see further reductions later in the month.
*Rates correct at time of publishing. Speak with our team to discuss.
Equipment: Shortages Persist
Capacity remains tight with ongoing challenges in equipment availability and fluctuating demand. Geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties continue to disrupt global trade routes, making it difficult for carriers to maintain stable capacity management.
The shortage of containers, combined with port congestion in high-volume areas, will likely lead to delays and increased costs. While shipping lines are attempting to address these shortages by repositioning equipment and chartering more vessels, the overall capacity will remain constrained in the short term.
Port Congestion and Disruptions Persist at Key Asian Ports
Global ports continue to struggle with congestion and operational challenges, driven by shifting trade routes, geopolitical tensions, and infrastructure bottlenecks. Major hubs in Asia, including Ningbo-Zhoushan, Chittagong, and Shanghai, are among the hardest hit, experiencing vessel delays and extended wait times. These disruptions are also impacting supply chains in the U.S. and Europe, where increased cargo volumes and labour shortages further contribute to delays.
In response, ports are ramping up investments in automation, expanding capacity, and improving cargo-handling efficiency. However, congestion remains a persistent issue, particularly in high-traffic regions.
Shippers should prepare for potential disruptions and take proactive measures such as securing bookings early and monitoring port conditions in real-time. Unsworth are here to help keep you up-to-date and to explore alternative routing options to minimise delays.
Shipping Reliability Stalls: Half of Ships Still Late
Shipping reliability—the percentage of vessels arriving on time—remains inconsistent in early 2025, continuing the trend seen throughout 2024. On average, only 51.5% of vessels arrived on schedule in January 2025, the same as in January 2024. This means nearly half of all container ships worldwide are still arriving late.
The good news is that while delays are still common, the average delay time for late vessels has slightly improved. In January 2025, late ships were delayed by 5.32 days on average, which is the lowest delay time seen since mid-2024.
For shippers, this means that while some improvements are being made, delays and unpredictability in global shipping schedules remain a challenge. It's crucial to factor in potential disruptions when planning supply chains and consider working with more reliable carriers when time-sensitive deliveries are required.
New U.S. Tariff Proposals Spark Freight Rate Uncertainty
The recent proposal by the U.S. administration to impose fees of up to $1.5 million on Chinese-built or Chinese-flagged ships entering U.S. ports has introduced additional uncertainty. If implemented, these fees could significantly increase operating costs for global ocean carriers, potentially leading to higher freight rates for U.S. importers and exporters.
Customs Updates
New ICS2 Filing Requirements: What You Need to Know
As the implementation of ICS2 (Import Control System 2) approaches, we want to ensure you're fully informed about how these changes may impact your shipments—and how Unsworth is here to support you.
What’s Changing?
From 1st April 2025, ICS2 filing will be mandatory for cargo travelling on routes subject to this regulation. To comply, Unsworth will handle the required filings and apply a charge of $35 per filing.
For both import and export movements, most routings involve calling at an EU port, either prior to for import or after for export, in these cases shipments will need to be filed as FROB (Foreign Remaining on Board).
Key Compliance Points:
For containerised cargo, filings must be submitted 24 hours before loading at the port of dispatch.
Other timelines apply depending on the route and type of goods (please reach out for details).
We know navigating regulatory changes can be complex, but our expert team is here to help ensure your shipments remain compliant and uninterrupted. For further clarification or assistance, please get in touch with our team.
Air Freight Updates
Strong Imports and Falling Sea-Air Rates Provide Relief
Imports into the UK, particularly from countries like India, continue to show strong demand, with UK businesses increasingly shifting their sourcing to the Indian subcontinent. This shift is keeping import volumes robust despite broader uncertainty in global trade.
Meanwhile, Sea-Air rates (a combined sea and air transport method) are seeing a decline as more shipping space becomes available, particularly from transshipment hubs in the Middle East and the U.S. West Coast. This increased availability is making air freight more accessible and affordable, providing some relief to businesses looking for faster shipping options without the premium price.
Our Airfreight team are here to help
Our Heathrow office, backed by a team of experienced Senior Key Account Managers, is fully equipped to provide tailored support for your air freight movements. Whether you're managing urgent shipments, high-value cargo, or navigating complex customs requirements, our team is here to ensure a seamless and efficient process. We specialise in:
Route Optimisation: Identifying the most efficient and cost-effective flight paths to meet your deadlines.
Capacity Management: Leveraging strong airline partnerships to secure space, even during peak seasons.
Tailored Solutions: Designing bespoke air freight solutions for unique cargo requirements, including temperature-sensitive goods and oversized shipments.
We delve into the key shipping trends shaping supply chains in 2025 and explore how freight forwarders can harness these developments to thrive in an increasingly complex market.
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