Rates from the Far East to the U.S. and Europe are up, some lanes by more than 70% since October. In this episode of The Freight Debate, hosts Phil Hennessy and Emily Stausbøll break down what’s really driving the latest rate surge and whether it’s part of a familiar year-end pattern.

They unpack why rates are rising even as demand stays soft, what shippers should expect from upcoming tender negotiations, and how carrier capacity decisions shape short-term market behavior.

Plus, the pair look ahead to 2026 with insights from Xeneta’s latest outlook, including how long-term rates, tender strategies, and global trade shifts could influence the next 12 months.
Whether you’re negotiating contracts or tracking trends, this conversation gives you the context you need to plan smarter.

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📰 Check out this blog for deeper dives and data on everything we cover: https://www.xeneta.com/blog/october-spot-rate-spike-2026-ocean-freight-tenders 

🚢 Dive into the 2026 Ocean Freight Outlook here: https://www.xeneta.com/outlook/2026-ocean-freight-outlook 

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