Shipping Alerts: 2025 Container Shortage is Coming!

With Trumps' tariff pause, more shippers are trying to ship their goods before the higher tariff come. Moreover, carriers are taking this opportunities to make up the drop of shipping volume in the previous days, so higher shipping rates and shipping container shortage are coming at the same time.

Causes Behind the Container Shortage

Imbalance Between Supply and Needs

In late April, fears of new high tariffs caused shipping volumes to drop sharply. Carriers quickly canceled some sailings and shifted vessels to busier routes. But now, demand is bouncing back—while much of the available capacity is still on its way back. This sudden imbalance has led to a container shortage and made it extremely hard to secure space, turning the market into the result of shipping container shortage.

Tariffs Pause and Urgent Orders

After a U.S.-China joint statement of Tariff pause, many Chinese exporters received urgent orders from the U.S. One bamboo shoot company got 1,900+ boxes ordered and is now running at full capacity to meet rising U.S. demand. Many other Chinese companies have received more export orders from the United States, and forecasts suggest that shipments to the U.S. will enter a peak period in the coming weeks.

By late May, vessels departing for the U.S. are nearly fully booked, especially on popular routes. Major carriers such as Matson, Evergreen, and COSCO have issued rate increase notices, raising freight prices by $500 to $1,500 per container. For instance, the current rate for a 40-foot container from Shanghai to New York has reached approximately $4,300.

At YQN's online platform, you can search instant freight rates from different carriers and secure your container shipping space by booking online by one click.

What’s Next?

Experts suggest that the current crunch may begin to ease in mid-to-late June, as carriers realign vessel schedules and reposition containers. Some are already deploying extra loaders — such as Hapag-Lloyd’s DALLAS EXPRESS, a 4,890-TEU capacity vessel currently scheduled to depart Shenzhen on May 31 for Los Angeles via Busan and Shanghai.

But until then, what shippers can do to face the container shortage challenges?

Solutions to Handle the Container Shortage

Hybrid Logistics Strategy

To minimize delays, consider a hybrid logistics strategy: combine air freight for urgent goods, ocean shipping for bulk, and leverage overseas warehouses for faster local delivery. This approach ensures flexibility and supply chain efficiency.

Air freight is increasingly deployed for high-value, time-sensitive goods, ensuring critical shipments bypass bottlenecks. Meanwhile, ocean freight remains the backbone for bulk cargo, offering cost efficiency despite longer lead times. To bridge the stock gap, companies are turning to localized warehousing, enabling rapid fulfillment from inventory pre-positioned near end markets.

YQN Logistics offers prime air shipping services and professional warehousing solutions for over 10,000 clients, helping firms balance logistics transit time and supply chain cost during disruptions.

Compare Sea Freight Online

Businesses should prepare by using digital tools and new shipping routes. You can use YQN's logistics rate search engine to compare the top carriers' real-time ocean freight.

Lock Shipping Space Early

Experts advise companies to book space early. With demand surging and vessel capacity tight, early bookings secure space and lock in more stable pricing, reducing the risk of costly delays.

Planning ahead is key to navigating the challenges of global shipping in 2025. YQN Logistics' Diamond Service offers guaranteed space at a fixed price, helping businesses overcome the ongoing container shortage. Companies can secure shipping space quickly by emailing info@yqn.com.

FAQ

Why is there a shipping container crisis in 2025?

Changes in trade, tariffs, and port problems reduce containers. Delays at ports and uneven shipments make things worse.

How can companies get container space during the shortage?

YQN Logistics offers its “Diamond Shipping Space” service, providing guaranteed space at a fixed price. Businesses can secure shipping space quickly and reliably. For a free consultation, email info@yqn.com.

Will shipping costs go up because of the shortage?

Yes, fewer containers and high demand will raise costs. Companies should plan early to save money.

See Also

Understanding FCA Shipping Terms for Buyers and Shippers in 2025

Freight Market Developments in China for May 2025

March 2025 Freight Market Insights from China

2024 Shipping Industry Expansion: Insights and 2025 Forecast for Traders

February 2025 Updates on China's Ocean Freight Market