Freight Rate Benchmark
Compare carrier rates and analyze market trends
Carriers
10+
Trade Lanes
10
Historical Data
12 months
Rate Types
Spot & Contract
Freight Rate Benchmark
Compare carrier rates across major trade lanes, analyze spot vs contract pricing, and make data-driven decisions to optimize your shipping costs.
Current Spot
$3,200.00
-5.9%
Contract Rate
$2,150.00
-1.4%
Savings Potential
33%
Recommendation
contract
| Carrier | Spot Rate | Contract Rate | Savings | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BestYang Ming | $2,646.00 | $2,328.00 | 12.0% | 2.8% |
ZIM | $2,649.00 | $2,331.00 | 12.0% | 2.3% |
COSCO Shipping | $2,659.00 | $2,340.00 | 12.0% | 11.5% |
HMM | $2,728.00 | $2,401.00 | 12.0% | 2.5% |
Hapag-Lloyd | $2,789.00 | $2,454.00 | 12.0% | 8.9% |
CMA CGM | $2,892.00 | $2,545.00 | 12.0% | 12.8% |
Need Custom Rate Analysis?
Get personalized freight rate insights for your specific shipping lanes and volumes.
Spot rates are market-driven prices for shipping containers on a shipment-by-shipment basis. They fluctuate daily based on supply and demand, seasonal factors, and market conditions.
Best for: Shippers with irregular volumes, those testing new trade lanes, or when rates are trending downward. Spot rates offer flexibility but expose you to market volatility.
Tip: Monitor spot rates for 2-3 weeks before booking to identify optimal timing.
Contract rates are fixed prices agreed upon for a specified period (typically 3-12 months). They provide cost certainty and guaranteed space allocation during peak seasons.
Best for: Regular shippers with predictable volumes who want budget certainty and protection from spot market spikes during peak seasons.
Tip: Negotiate contract rates 2-3 months before peak season for better terms.
- Compare Carriers: Evaluate all-in rates across major shipping lines
- Negotiate Better: Use market data to strengthen your position
- Time Bookings: Identify optimal booking windows
- Plan Budgets: Forecast shipping costs with historical trends
- Optimize Routes: Compare rates across alternative trade lanes
Asia - Europe
Busiest container route
15M TEU/yr
Asia - USWC
Trans-Pacific West
12M TEU/yr
Asia - USEC
Trans-Pacific East
8M TEU/yr
Europe - US
Trans-Atlantic
5M TEU/yr
Intra-Asia
Regional trade
20M TEU/yr
- •Book 2-3 weeks ahead for better spot rates
- •Compare all-in rates, not just base freight
- •Consider hybrid contracts for volume flexibility
- •Lock in contract rates before peak season (Aug-Oct)
- •Track rates weekly to identify booking opportunities
- •Negotiate BAF caps for contract stability
- ✗Only comparing base rates without surcharges
- ✗Signing contracts during peak rate periods
- ✗Ignoring transit time differences between routes
- ✗Not reviewing contract performance quarterly
- ✗Overlooking smaller carriers with better rates
- ✗Booking last-minute during peak season