Maritime and Air Freight Rates Double Due to Middle East Crisis

Container freight rates surged 30% since US-Iran conflict. Air freight doubled or tripled prices in two weeks. Middle East routes up 40.8% in one week.

Freight prices are exploding 📦💸

If you import or export goods, get ready: maritime and air freight rates are climbing to levels we haven't seen since 2022.

The cause: the US-Iran conflict that blocked the Strait of Hormuz and sent oil prices soaring.

Maritime Freight: +30% in Two Weeks

The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) — the most important container rate indicator — reached 1,710.35 points on March 13, 2026.

That's:

• +14.9% in one week
• +28.3% since February (before US airstrikes on Iran)
• The highest level in 8 months

Most Affected Routes

According to SCFI (week of March 7-13):

TEU: Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (20-foot container)
FEU: Forty-foot Equivalent Unit (40-foot container)

Europe Also Rising

The Drewry World Container Index rose 8% this week to $2,123 per 40-foot container.

Asia-Europe routes:

• Shanghai → Rotterdam: +19% → $2,443/40ft
• Shanghai → Genoa: +10% → $3,120/40ft
• Shanghai → Los Angeles: +4% → $2,503/40ft
• Shanghai → New York: +3% → $3,080/40ft

Why Maritime Rates Are Rising

1. Longer Routes

Many ships are avoiding the Red Sea (conflict zone) and going around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope.

This adds:

• 7-14 days to transit time
• Thousands of extra nautical miles
• More fuel consumption (which is very expensive due to the conflict)

2. Emergency Fuel Surcharges

Several shipping lines (Maersk, CMA CGM, MSC) announced emergency surcharges due to increased fuel costs.

3. Reduced Available Capacity

Some ships are stranded in the Persian Gulf because they can't exit the Strait of Hormuz. This reduces global transport capacity.

Air Freight: Doubles or Triples Prices

The air freight situation is even worse.

According to reports from TBS News and India Shipping News:

Rates Before vs. Now (last 2 weeks)

Why Air Freight Is Rising

• Reduced capacity: Many airlines canceled flights over the Middle East for security
• Longer routes: Flights still operating have to detour around conflict zones
• Expensive jet fuel: Jet fuel rose along with crude oil
• High demand: Many importers switched from ship to air to avoid delays

Impact on Domestic Trucking

How does this affect you if you're a trucker in the US?

1. More Drayage Freight

With more containers arriving (though at high prices), there's more drayage work — moving containers from ports to warehouses.

2. Lower Inventories

Many companies are reducing inventories to avoid paying expensive freight. This means smaller, more frequent shipments = more short trips.

3. Price Pressure

If your customers are paying 2-3 times more for maritime/air freight, they'll try to renegotiate your domestic rates to compensate.

Defend your rates — diesel also went up ($4.86/gallon average).

What's Coming

Analysts expect freight rates to stay high until mid-2026, unless:

1. The Middle East conflict resolves
2. The Strait of Hormuz fully reopens
3. Oil prices drop

For now, prepare for higher costs across the supply chain.

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Source: SCFI, Drewry, TBS News, FreightWaves