Trans-Pacific Maritime
Special Report
determined to hold the line on contract rates , which is not out of the question , service contract rates will go up .
“ I think $ 2,000 to $ 2,500 [ per FEU to the West Coast ] is where the rates should end up ,” Monroe said .
A second industry consultant who once served as the logistics manager at two national retailers said he believes Asia – West Coast rates will end up “ closer ” to $ 2,000 per FEU , with Asia – East Coast rates about $ 800 to $ 1,000 higher than that .
“ Our strategy , at least today , is to drag our feet ”
If import volumes and spot rates do not recover quickly in March in the aftermath of the Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in Asia , some importers say they will likely delay signing service contracts until April .
“ Our strategy , at least today , is to drag our feet ,” an importer in the home furnishings sector said . If it appears capacity is readily available , “ that will drive the market lower ,” the source said .
One thing that could cause a spike in US import volumes is if the Trump administration announces large tariffs on key trading partners that take effect later in the spring , said another NVO .
“ Then , you ’ ll see a bunch more frontloading ,” he said . “ Otherwise , I think this year is going to be like a traditional year with a normal peak .”
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14 Journal of Commerce | March 3 , 2025 www . joc . com