LA box signal spikes and charter rates go ‘through the roof’

If you thought the trans-Pacific market was crazy in September and October, buckle up. Containerized import demand is not abating and cargo volumes are now backing up at anchorage.

The Port of Los Angeles Signal tool offers a short-term indicator of market strength. Ship charter rates provide a longer-term bellwether. In both cases, the latest data shows no evidence of any trans-Pacific demand respite. In fact, the numbers point in the opposite direction.