November 5, 2026. Drewry's World Container Index fell 1 % this week to USD 4,389 per 40-foot container, with Shanghai–Los Angeles unchanged at USD 7,539. Drewry expects transpacific rates to decline next week.
The same day, port guards at Los Angeles and Long Beach and their employers extended their contract again, now to midnight Pacific time on Friday, November 6, FreightWaves reported.
Spot rates this week
Per 40-foot container, according to Drewry:
- Shanghai–New York: USD 9,303, down 3 %.
- Shanghai–Los Angeles: USD 7,539, unchanged.
- Shanghai–Genoa: USD 4,166, stable.
- Shanghai–Rotterdam: USD 3,615, down 2 %.
The composite is 124 % above a year earlier. Average vessel waiting time in Shanghai fell to 35 hours. Drewry projects lower transpacific rates next week because planned blank sailings drop from five to three, adding effective capacity; it expects Asia–Europe to be stable, though carriers aim to raise FAK rates in mid-November.
The Los Angeles–Long Beach talks
FreightWaves' Stuart Chirls reports that the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and ILWU Local 26 extended the contract of about 250 guards and will keep negotiating on Friday with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. A stoppage could affect terminals handling about 85 % of Long Beach cargo and 33 % of Los Angeles cargo. The PMA said it "remains committed to reaching a fair agreement at the bargaining table." The main West Coast longshore contract, covering about 22,000 workers at 29 ports, runs to 2028 and is not at stake.
Planning for December
Our take: with Los Angeles flat and a decline forecast, this is a good week to request quotes for December sailings and compare options.
- Ask for sea freight quotes with written validity and a sailing date.
- If your cargo moves through Los Angeles or Long Beach, ask about a backup plan.
- Buying in South China? Shenzhen restricts cargo trucks November 16–20 for APEC, so have goods at port earlier.
- Set the Incoterm and delay responsibilities in your sales contract, and book the product inspection early.
