How sharp was the move?
This was not a marginal tick higher. Freightos described West Coast pricing as up by $1,600/FEU, or more than 50%, in a single weekly move. East Coast prices rose by about $1,300/FEU, or 25%, which was enough to put the lane back into clear peak-season territory very early in June.
| Lane | Latest level | Weekly change |
|---|---|---|
| Asia-US West Coast | $4,800/FEU | +$1,600, more than 50% |
| Asia-US East Coast | $6,300/FEU | +$1,300, about 25% |
| Main trigger | June 1 GRI/PSS | Carrier increases stuck in the market |
| Timing | Early June | Earlier than many importers expected |
Why were carriers able to hold this increase?
Freightos tied the move to a mix of early demand, looming bunker-related pressure, and longer lead times caused by Red Sea diversions and congestion at major hubs. That combination matters because it gives carriers both a pricing narrative and an operational explanation at the same time.
Does this suggest June was the real peak?
Freightos also pointed to NRF demand expectations implying that June could end up being the demand peak. For importers, that means the market was potentially front-loading its pain: stronger pricing earlier, but with a risk that July increases would be harder to extend if demand cooled after the June rush.
What Shippers Should Do
- Treat early-June quotes as the new market baseline instead of waiting for pre-June pricing to reappear.
- Push suppliers for firmer cargo-ready dates, since longer lead times reduce flexibility once rates start moving this fast.
- Review whether East Coast routings still make sense after the jump to $6,300/FEU.
- If you are betting on softer July pricing, build that plan around actual booking windows rather than broad market headlines.