Ocean container rates spike $1,000 per box as peak season, war surcharges hit

Ocean container rates on key east-west trades jumped at least $1,000 per forty-foot equivalent unit on June 1, 2026, as carriers applied general rate increases and peak season surcharges. Early holiday-season demand and the Iranian closure of the Strait of Hormuz are driving rates sharply higher from already elevated levels. Freightos (NASDAQ: CRGO) analyst Judah Levine said daily rates surged $1,000-$1,800 per FEU so far this week. Last week’s averages were $3,200 to the U.S. West Coast, $5,000 to the East Coast, $3,000 to North Europe and $4,400 to the Mediterranean. Carriers including CMA CGM and Maersk (OTC: AMKBY) plan additional mid-month hikes. Asia-Europe rates have already surpassed peak season highs from last year. The Persian Gulf conflict, nearing 100 days, is pressuring rates through fuel costs. Mediterranean Shipping Co. confirmed one of its vessels was hit by projectiles while exiting Iran’s Port of Um-Qasr. U.S. regulators eased trucking rules for fertilizer haulers as regional shipments are disrupted. Trans-Pacific rates remain about $1,000 below front-loading peaks seen when importers rushed to beat tariffs in 2025.