What’s Driving the Crunch
Global carriers are tightening rotations and pulling back capacity as they juggle fuel costs, vessel utilisation, and trade imbalances. Lines like CMA CGM, MSC and PIL have trimmed Australian port calls or merged services, leading to fewer sailings and leaner container pools.
At the same time, record import volumes have stranded empties inland, while export demand for grain, timber and recyclables is spiking — stretching depot inventories thin. Port congestion in Singapore and Port Klang is adding another layer of delay for both inbound and outbound freight.
How It’s Hitting Aussie Traders
Exporters are struggling to find available 20GPs and 40HCs, while importers are facing blow-outs in transit times and unpredictable surcharges. Smaller shippers without named-account deals are bearing the brunt — paying more and waiting longer. Agricultural exporters risk missing sailing cut-offs, and retailers importing stock ahead of Christmas are seeing schedules slide week by week.
What Smart Operators Are Doing
- Book early and lock space: Don’t wait for confirmation; plan 3–4 weeks out.
- Spread the risk: Use multiple carriers or feeder options via SEA hubs.
- Check your rate validity: Know when surcharges kick in and when your quote expires.
- Lean on your forwarder: Stay close to partners who have daily visibility on space and depot stock.
Flying Fox Solutions is coordinating with key carriers to secure allocations across major ports. For customers moving agri-commodities or recyclables, early bookings through our network are keeping shipments on track and on budget.
Source: Drewry Container Freight Index, Sea-Intelligence Issue 732, Shipping Australia Ltd Market Update (Q4 2025)
Disclaimer – Market data is from public sources we consider reliable but has not been independently verified; accuracy is not guaranteed