Drewry WCI Falls 1% to $4,389 per 40-Foot Container

Drewry's World Container Index (WCI) fell 1% to $4,389 per 40-foot container in the week reported on November 5, 2026. Lower rates on trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe routes drove the decline, as port congestion eased and demand at Chinese ports slowed.

The Shanghai-to-Rotterdam rate fell 2%, a larger percentage decline than the overall index. The WCI tracks spot freight rates across major east-west routes, so its composite movement does not mean that every route changed by the same amount.

What the decline means for freight costs

The latest reading points to a modest easing in the overall spot market, with a sharper decline on the Shanghai-to-Rotterdam route. For shippers comparing transport costs, the distinction matters: the composite index provides a broad reference, while the rate on the route they use is more relevant to an individual shipment.

Whether the decline continues will depend in part on how port conditions and demand develop. Further WCI readings and route-specific rate movements will help show whether this week's easing extends beyond a single reporting period.