Supply Chain Watch — 2026-11-06
A.P. Moller–Maersk raised its full-year earnings guidance on November 5 after port congestion and resilient cargo demand lifted third-quarter freight rates. Meanwhile, carriers are pushing for $3,000 per container rate hikes in November despite cooling demand, with a potential LA–Long Beach strike adding further uncertainty to global trade flows.
Supply Chain Watch — 2026-11-06
Top Stories
Maersk Raises 2026 Profit Outlook Amid Port Congestion
A.P. Moller–Maersk increased its full-year earnings guidance on 5 November, citing port congestion and resilient cargo demand that lifted third-quarter freight rates. The move signals that ocean carriers are maintaining pricing power even as some demand metrics soften globally.
Carriers Seek $3,000 Rate Hikes Despite Cooling Demand
Asia-US container rates remain firm as carriers pursue significant price increases for November, seeking hikes of up to $3,000 per container. This push comes amid a potential strike threat at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which adds a layer of uncertainty to West Coast logistics planning.
freightwaves.com
2026 State of Logistics Report: Volatility is the new normal - FreightWaves
Freight winners in 2026 will build for disruption, uShip CEO says - FreightWaves
American Shipper - News Provider in Global Trade - FreightWaves
Global Supply Chain News and Updates | FreightWaves
Transpacific Demand Softens as Peak Season Winds Down
Transpacific demand is softening as the extended peak season concludes, leading carriers to postpone some planned rate increases. While Chinese port backlogs continue to ease, space remains tight on the US West Coast, and air freight capacity out of Asia is constrained due to holiday season pressures.
Shipping & Freight
Container Rates Hold Steady as Americas and Europe Enter Off-Season
Container freight rates have remained steady as major routes between the Americas and Europe enter their traditional off-season. The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) and other metrics edged up slightly as shipping firms raised rates and cut sailings to manage capacity, indicating a disciplined approach to yield management despite lower demand volumes.
Maersk Asia Pacific Market Update: Gemini Network Enhancements
In its November update, Maersk highlighted enhancements to its Gemini network and noted the recovery of East Asia port operations. The update also provided a peak season planning calendar for air freight, covering the period from Singles Day through Chinese New Year (6 February 2027), and offered inland transport planning advice for year-end shipments.
Logistics & Warehousing
Nine Freight Shifts Impacting Bottom Lines
Recent industry analysis highlights nine critical freight shifts that shippers must address immediately. These developments include a looming strike deadline at major West Coast ports, a significant bridge closure affecting inland transport, and a reset in fuel tables, all of which are expected to impact logistics costs and operational reliability in the coming weeks.
Technology & Innovation
Walmart and Symbotic: Warehouse Automation as Network Strategy
Walmart’s partnership with Symbotic is being analyzed as a case study in how warehouse automation is evolving from an efficiency tool into a core network strategy. This shift suggests that large retailers are leveraging advanced robotics not just for labor cost reduction, but to fundamentally reshape distribution network resilience and speed.
What to Watch Next Week
- LA–Long Beach Strike Deadline: Monitor negotiations closely, as a potential strike could severely disrupt West Coast imports and exacerbate existing congestion.
- November Rate Increases: Watch for the actual implementation of carrier rate hikes, particularly the proposed $3,000 increases on Asia-US lanes, and how shippers respond to these new costs.
- Air Freight Capacity Tightening: As holiday shipping peaks, observe air freight capacity out of Asia, which is already reported as tight, for signs of further constraint or price spikes.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
