Ocean Freight Market Update — November 2025
Gateway Cargo Market Intelligence
The ocean freight market has moved into November with a mixture of stability and uncertainty. Volumes across key trade lanes are gradually improving, but the wider environment remains challenging as carriers continue adjusting their networks and capacity to respond to soft pricing and shifting demand patterns.
Industry commentary from leading freight publications highlights the same overall theme: the market is steady, but fragile. Carriers are carrying more cargo than earlier in the year, but this has not translated into stronger pricing. Instead, lines are managing capacity carefully, making service changes, and reshaping their networks to protect margins.
Capacity Adjustments and Blank Sailings
Blank sailings remain a regular feature of the market. Although not as severe as the earlier waves seen this year, carriers continue to withdraw certain departures to balance the amount of space on offer. This helps to stabilise rates but can also create short-notice schedule changes and variations in transit times.
For shippers, the practical impact is simple: overall space is available, but reliability can shift from week to week, depending on how carriers adjust their networks.
Service Network Changes
Across November, several lines have updated sailing schedules, adjusted rotations, or reworked transhipment connections. These changes are driven by:
- fluctuating demand between regions
- attempts to reduce operating costs
- the need to keep vessels efficiently utilised
- broader geopolitical and regulatory influences
Such adjustments can affect connection times, estimated arrivals, and the choice of ports used for import and export flows. Gateway Cargo continues to monitor changes across all major carriers to ensure customers receive timely updates and proactive alternatives when required.
Market Outlook and Rate Environment
While freight rates remain under pressure, the market continues to show small, short-lived movements depending on capacity changes and demand spikes. The wider outlook from industry analysts remains cautious, with most expecting continued competitive pricing and ongoing network adjustments as the industry heads towards 2026.
For Gateway Cargo customers, this means the current environment offers opportunities to secure value, but it also requires flexibility. Rates may fluctuate, and service reliability will remain an important factor when choosing routes or carriers.
Operational Considerations for November
Based on the latest trends from the main industry sources, Gateway Cargo recommends:
Plan ahead where possible
Even in a market with ample capacity, early planning helps reduce risk from sudden schedule changes or adjustments to vessel rotations.
Stay flexible with routing
Alternative ports or service loops can provide more reliable options during periods of adjustment or congestion.
Monitor schedule updates closely
Changes may be announced only days before departure. Our team will continue to share updates so supply chains can be adjusted in good time.
Consider a balanced mix of contract and spot solutions
With rate conditions still unpredictable, maintaining a blend of agreements can help secure stability without locking into unfavourable terms.
Looking Ahead
Although the market remains challenging, the underlying flow of trade is improving and carriers are gradually adjusting to the new operating landscape. As we move towards the end of the year, the focus for shippers will be reliability, flexibility, and planning for the early 2026 season.
Gateway Cargo will continue to monitor global service changes, capacity strategies, and regional developments so our customers remain fully informed. If you would like tailored advice on routings, space planning or rate strategy, please contact your Gateway Cargo representative or email sales25@gateway-cargo.com