Carriers Sustain Transpacific Rate Momentum with Strategic Blanking

Transpacific carriers have achieved notable success this September in upholding spot freight rates despite softer volumes and ongoing market pressures. Through a mix of strategic blank sailings and well-timed general rate increases (GRIs), the main carriers have sustained a robust rate environment and prevented any steep downturn even as demand has moderated heading into Golden Week.

Even as US import volumes in the lead-up to Golden Week have remained below prior years, carriers have managed to stop spot rates from falling sharply, with major lines blanking about 10% of westbound and nearly 20% of eastbound transpacific sailings for September and October.

This level of discipline has limited rate erosion and positioned the market for further stability as more blank sailings are announced for October.

Recent Rate Developments

September’s rate surge was driven primarily by a combination of a general rate increase and capacity reductions. Spot rates saw weekly gains approaching 6% on key legs, and some increases were as much as 21% compared to late August. While these rate gains provided temporary lift, spot prices have started to moderate, trending back to levels seen before the September 1 GRI. Carriers have succeeded in keeping rates comfortably above the lows reached in August, typically sitting up to 20% above those levels.

Many carriers are now offering voyage-specific spot rates, targeting marketplace flexibility to fill remaining slots. This approach, alongside tactical blankings, enables lines to preserve market discipline and ensure spot prices do not undercut contracted rate benchmarks. The current spread between spot market and fixed contract rates reflects ongoing efforts to support yields while maintaining service options for shippers.

Outlook

In September, eastbound transpacific blankings removed approximately 10% of capacity on West Coast routes and nearly 13% on East Coast strings.

Forecasts for October foresee blankings of about 10% on the West Coast and almost 20% to the East Coast, reflecting a more aggressive stance in supporting additional GRIs post-Golden Week. 

Their active management has proven successful in supporting rates under challenging conditions, emphasising a preference for maintaining pricing power over chasing fleeting short-term volumes. As a result, the transpacific market continues to resist a downward spiral, demonstrating resilience and strategic discipline.

With strategic capacity management and long-established ocean carrier relationships, our team is helping clients secure space, optimise rates, and keep high-priority cargo moving on key transpacific lanes.

As blank sailings and new rate initiatives reshape the market, proactive planning and flexible routing have never been more important.

If your business depends on reliable Asia–US trade flows, EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director, today to discover how expert guidance and tailored solutions can keep your supply chain agile and cost-effective, whatever the market brings.