The ongoing Red Sea crisis has significantly affected ocean freight rates, causing substantial increases for shippers. Following initial vessel attacks, carriers have rerouted, resulting in longer transit times and congestion at global ports. This has driven up freight costs, with rates reaching $7,052 per forty-foot equivalent unit (FEU) from Asia to the U.S. West Coast and $8,253 to the East Coast, based on recent updates.

Impact on Rates

Ocean rates have more than doubled since January due to various factors:

Route Diversions: Ships are circumventing the Red Sea, opting for longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 2-3 weeks to travel time and increasing operational and fuel expenses.

Additional Costs: Carriers have imposed surcharges to cover the heightened costs from these diversions and the prolonged crisis.

Port Congestion

The crisis has led to significant congestion at key ports in Asia and the Mediterranean. In Singapore and Manila, waiting times have increased notably, causing disruptions in the global supply chain.

Carrier Adjustments

To manage congestion, some carriers are implementing blank sailings and adjusting their capacity. Despite these measures, high demand and limited vessel availability continue to push rates higher.

Recommendations for Shippers

Experts recommend that shippers enhance visibility and forecast their volumes to better manage costs. They should avoid exceeding their weekly allocations to prevent higher rates and maintain consistent communication about container forecasts. This proactive approach is crucial in navigating expenses in the current volatile market.

This summary outlines the challenges in the ocean freight market due to the Red Sea crisis, detailing the impacts on rates and providing strategic recommendations for shippers.

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You can find the original article at: 
https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/ocean-freight-market-rates-increase-us-east-west-coast-asia-europe/717698/