Drivers Behind the Recent Surge in Global Shipping Rates
I’ve had three clients defer orders this quarter because they saw shipping quotes double overnight. They all asked the same question: "Should we wait until rates drop?" But that framing misses the actual decision they need to make. Global shipping rates have spiked due to capacity shortages, rerouted vessels avoiding conflict zones, and seasonal demand surges combining at once. But whether this affects your order depends on your product’s value density, shipping route flexibility, and whether your volume qualifies for consolidated pricing—not just the headline rate itself. The real question isn’t "why are rates high" but "does this rate increase eliminate my margin, or can I adjust the shipping approach […]
