Trans-Pacific Maritime

Special Report

Shippers seeking capacity , while carriers look to recoup lost profits

By Bill Mongelluzzo

Container lines plying the trans-Pacific trade are trying to use this year ’ s contract talks with shippers to essentially recoup money they believe they left on the table in the 2024 – 25 contracts , sources with knowledge of the earlystage talks say .

Those sources say carriers are quoting initial rates for the 2025 – 26 contract year that are roughly 25 % higher than the current year , driven at least in part by a belief that they underpriced their Asia – US services a year ago .

“ What is the market ’ s perception of 2025 ? Shipping lines want to take the initiative .”

“ They are certainly starting this year higher ,” James Caradonna , executive vice president at the forwarder M & R Spedag Group , said of the carriers ’ pricing strategy .

According to sources that include non-vessel- operating common carriers ( NVOs ) and industry consultants , trans-Pacific carriers in the opening round of discussions with their larger core customers for the 2025 – 26 service year have quoted contract rates of $ 2,500 per FEU to the West Coast and $ 3,500 per FEU to the East Coast .

10 Journal of Commerce | March 3 , 2025 www . joc . com