For many years, World Container Index (WCI) has been the go-to, independent, global reference for index-linked contracts. If your organisation is considering index-linked contracts or requires regional /coverage beyond the eight trade lanes provided below, contact our ocean freight cost benchmarking team.
Drewry’s World Container Index was unchanged at $2,287 per 40ft container this week.
Drewry World Container Index (US$/40ft)
Not displaying? Click here to open this chart in a new window
WCI Trade Routes from Shanghai (US$/40ft)
Source: Drewry World Container Index, Drewry Supply Chain Advisors
Not displaying? Click here to open this chart in a new window
Our detailed assessment for Thursday, 02 April 2026
- The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) remained stable at $2,287 per 40ft container, with rates holding steady on the Asia–Europe and Transpacific trade routes.
- Rates on Asia–Europe trades have remained relatively stable despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Spot rates on Shanghai–Genoa inched up 2% to $3,529 per 40ft container, while Shanghai–Rotterdam stayed unchanged at $2,543 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, only 4 blank sailings have been announced for next week on the Asia–Europe trade, suggesting stable capacity. Meanwhile, Drewry expects spot rates to increase in the coming weeks as higher bunker fuel costs prompt carriers to implement emergency bunker fuel surcharges.
- On the Transpacific route, spot rates from Shanghai to New York increased 1% to $3,434 per 40ft container, while those to Los Angeles decreased 1% to $2,663. Maersk is seeking US regulatory approval to waive the 30-day notice period and introduce an emergency bunker surcharge, citing elevated and volatile fuel costs amid Middle East tensions. The proposed surcharge is $200 per teu for head-haul and $100 per teu for backhaul dry shipments. With carriers continuing to push for rate increases, Drewry expects spot rates to increase further in the coming weeks.
- Ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for nearly 20% of global oil, have tightened bunker fuel availability and pushed prices higher. In Asia, fuel supplies in key hubs like Singapore and China are starting to tighten, prompting carriers to adopt operational measures such as slow steaming, alternative refuelling strategies and emergency fuel surcharges to manage costs. These measures are expected to keep freight rates elevated in the short term.
Spot freight rates by major route
Our assessment across eight major East-West trades
Source:Drewry Supply Chain Advisors
