Since the second quarter of 2021, Plastics Information Europe has been reporting on the development and status of container freight rates at regular intervals (mostly on Thursdays, for the week that is ending). For a total of eight main routes (see below) the spot prices for the transport by ship of a 40-foot container (FEU) are provided. The routes were selected according to their relevance for the European polymer markets.

Long-term slot contracts are not taken into account in the price data. The quotations are given in US dollars, as is customary in international maritime container trade. The prices are determined by the PIE price team in direct, weekly enquiries with shipping companies, forwarders, and consignors. 

In order to make the development of container freight rates transparent and market trends recognisable at an early stage, in addition to the accurate price data, comments and background information on current developments in the logistics industry are also provided. The focus is mainly on Europe, but relevant international topics are also regularly covered.

Container freight rates are determined for the following main transport routes:

• China - US West Coast
• China - US East Coast
• China - Northern Europe
• Northern Europe - China
• China - Southern Europe
• Southern Europe - China
• US East Coast - Northern Europe
• Northern Europe - US East Coast