How to Capitalize on the 50% Plunge in US West Coast Shipping Rates
Publish Time: 2025-06-18 Origin: Site
US West Coast Rates Crash: Smart Shipping Strategies Now
June 13, 2025 – The transpacific market has seen a stunning reversal, with spot rates plunging from $6,100/FEU to $3,000/FEU in just 10 days. Here's what logistics managers need to know:
The Rate Collapse by the Numbers
June 1-15 Freefall:
$6,100 → $3,000/FEU (West Coast)
$6,745 → $6,570/FEU (East Coast, -2.8%)
13 of 21 major lanes now showing declining rates
Why This Happened
1?? Capacity Overload: Carriers added too many ships post-tariff announcement
2?? Non-Alliance Discounting: K*TC's $2,000/FEU offers forced mainstream carriers to match
3?? Seasonal Slowdown: Q2 rush ending before peak season builds
3 Smart Moves for Shippers
? Lock in Q3 Contracts Now
Current rates 40% below 2024 peak
Some carriers offering 90-day rate guarantees
? Audit Accessorial Charges
Challenge "emergency" bunker surcharges (BAF) as fuel prices stabilize
? Diversify Carrier Mix
Non-alliance carriers offering 15-20% discounts
But verify service reliability first
What's Next?
Short-Term: Rates may dip further to $2,800/FEU
By August: Hurricane season + back-to-school demand could trigger rebound