Shipping cost is not one number. It is the sum of freight, surcharges, duties and local charges — and in 2026 several of these moved sharply.
Ocean freight benchmark (October 2026)
As reported by Supply Chain Dive citing Freightos, Asia–US West Coast spot rates were about USD 8,322 per 40' container and Asia–US East Coast about USD 9,606 on 6 October 2026. Earlier in the year West Coast rates had been around USD 2,200, before an early peak season, frontloading and higher fuel costs pushed them up. Rates from Vietnam can differ from China-based indexes.
The full cost structure
| Component | Driven by |
|---|---|
| Origin charges | Trucking, export clearance, terminal handling |
| Ocean or air freight | Market rate, surcharges (BAF, PSS, GRI…) |
| Destination charges | Terminal, chassis, port fees |
| Duties | HTS code, origin, Section 301/232, AD/CVD |
| Customs fees | MPF, HMF, broker, bond, ISF |
| Delivery | Drayage, LTL, accessorials |
How to keep cost under control
- Fill containers and reduce LCL handling — FCL vs LCL.
- Book early before peaks — peak calendar.
- Confirm duties before quoting — 2026 tariffs.
Source for rate figures: Supply Chain Dive / Freightos reporting, October 2026. Rates change weekly.
Ask for a current quote for your route and cargo.