Ocean freight rates cool despite continued price elevation
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Although prices have gone down slightly, they are roughly in line with 2024 peak season levels during Red Sea and East Coast labor disruptions.
Why This Matters
Ocean freight rates are still high. They have cooled off a bit but remain at levels seen during peak season last year. This is happening even with recent disruptions in the Red Sea and on the East Coast.
For ecommerce brands, this means continued pressure on landed costs. Expect elevated shipping expenses to persist. If you typically order based on a 10 day lead time, you might be facing an additional 15% increase in freight expenditure. This impacts your profit margins directly.
SupliiChain recommends reviewing your safety stock calculations now. Consider using the landed cost optimizer to model the impact of these sustained high rates on different sourcing strategies. Adjusting reorder points can mitigate risks.
Source: Supply Chain Dive
Last reviewed: September 9, 2026