Pacific container rates soften as new Q3 tonnage enters Vancouver rotation
Container rates on the Vancouver–Poti rotation eased 6% week-over-week as three additional vessels entered the Q3 rotation. We unpack the drivers and what it means for delivered parity into Central Asia.
Capacity additions
Two Panamax and one post-Panamax vessel entered the Pacific rotation on July 1, adding roughly 12,000 TEU of monthly nominal capacity. Utilization has settled around 84%, well below the Q2 peak.
Rail interlines
CN and CP are quoting stable inland rates from Vancouver to interior origin points through October. The all-in landed cost for a 40' HC to Poti is indicating $2,940, down from $3,120 in mid-June.
Outlook
We expect container rates to hold near current levels through August before firming into peak harvest movement in September. Counterparties with flexible loading windows should consider locking Q3 freight now.
Boreal's freight desk is actively booking Q3 slots for meal and DDGS shipments. Contact us for indicative freight cost into your delivery point.