Freight Pulse & Law Update: New Capacity Lifts Rates Instead of Cutting Them While CMA CGM Locks in November Med FAK Hikes

More ships are entering the market, but shippers are not yet seeing relief across every lane. Rates and surcharges remain firm as carriers position for 2027 contract negotiations.

The short answer: New vessel deliveries do not immediately translate into lower freight rates when longer routings and disruption tie up effective capacity. Trans-Atlantic spot rates are near $2,850/FEU, with modest gains. At the same time, carriers are applying lane-specific surcharges and CMA CGM has published higher November Asia–Mediterranean FAK rates.

Why are rates holding up as capacity grows?

Longer voyages around the Cape, security concerns, congestion and layered fees can limit available capacity even as new ships arrive. FreightWaves reports that spot rates on the Trans-Atlantic are near $2,850/FEU. On affected routes, CHOHELP reports that surcharge combinations can add up to $1,000 per container; this is not a universal charge.

What are CMA CGM’s November Mediterranean rates?

For Asia-origin cargo loading November 1–14, CMA CGM’s reported FAK rates are:

• West Mediterranean: $3,900 per 20-foot; $4,900 per 40-foot

• Adriatic: $4,000; $5,000

• East Mediterranean/Black Sea: $4,200; $5,200

• North Africa: $5,300; $7,100

Rates include base freight, bunker surcharges, EU ETS and low-sulphur fees. Terminal handling, security and other local charges are excluded. See Container News’ rate breakdown.

What should shippers and carriers watch this week?

November and December bring higher strategic-theft exposure as freight volumes rise and staffing thins. Verify the driver live with a photo and VIN; independently confirm carrier contact details before pickup or accepting a destination change.

CBP’s October 23 Electronic Export Manifest truck test is voluntary, limited to nine qualifying participants, and not a mandate. Participant identities have not been publicly disclosed in the Federal Register notice.

What I-95 disruptions affect Mid-Atlantic freight?

Regional coverage, October 21: Delaware has a northbound I-95 single-lane closure from SR 896 to the Service Plaza, 3 p.m.–7 a.m., and a southbound off-ramp closure to southbound SR 896, 6 a.m.–6 p.m. In Pennsylvania, expect overnight southbound I-95 lane closures between Christian and Front streets and in Tinicum Township, plus announced Castor Avenue and I-95 ramp reconstruction in Northeast Philadelphia. Check DelDOT and PennDOT advisories before dispatch.

No October brake blitz is scheduled, but unannounced inspections can happen anytime. CVSA’s April 14 Brake Safety Day placed 574 of 4,021 inspected vehicles out of service for brake violations-14.3%. Keep inspections current; see CVSA’s results.

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