Summary
Low water on the Rhine is limiting barge loads and sailings, pushing freight onto already tight rail and road networks; US container imports remain strong and drayage is a bottleneck. Freightos says Gulf risks bear watching, while alternative routings were still operating when its update was published; Asian port congestion and high fuel costs may support rates. In air cargo, Europe–Brazil pharmaceutical volumes have surged, although the broader pharma airfreight market remains subdued.
Key Updates
Select a headline to expand the full update.
The Loadstar reports that low Rhine water is reducing barge capacity; vessels around Duisburg were operating at roughly two-thirds of normal capacity. Some cargo is shifting to rail and trucks, but alternatives are tight. Shippers should confirm inland capacity, surcharges and delivery windows; the report says rail bookings may require several weeks of lead time.
Source: Low Rhine water level driving barge cargo to capacity-strained road and railThe Loadstar says elevated US container imports are persisting, with September volumes up 10.3% year over year. Driver shifts from drayage to long-haul trucking and an extended peak season are tightening connections at ports and inland rail ramps. Importers should secure appointments and inland capacity early and allow for off-dock delays.
Source: No post-peak easing at US container gateways, despite drayage woesFreightos’ October ocean update says the situation around Hormuz and the Red Sea merits monitoring. At the time of the update, Gulf-bound container services were still using alternative routes and no new operational impact had been reported. The update also flags yard pressure, vessel waits at some Asian ports and elevated fuel costs, which may support rates; booking and quote plans should retain a risk buffer.
Source: Freightos’ ocean freight update: Escalating ME conflict, port congestion, volume and rate trendsLATAM Cargo reported a 150% year-on-year rise in pharmaceutical air shipments between Europe and Brazil in the first seven months of 2026, partly driven by GLP-1 medicines. Total cargo on the lane reached nearly 32,000 tonnes, up 27%. The Loadstar says the wider pharma airfreight market was broadly flat, making qualified routes, temperature-controlled facilities and ground handling essential considerations.
Source: Pharma traffic on the rise for LATAM Cargo, but global market stays 'flat'The British Ports Association disputes claims that UK container growth in 2025 was directly caused by shippers avoiding the EU Emissions Trading System. It cites new capacity at London Gateway and changes to deep-sea alliance networks as key factors. The debate shows how carbon costs, port-call order and infrastructure shape gateway choice; shippers should calculate charges for their specific route rather than rely on a single metric.
Source: UK port volume growth not due to EU shippers avoiding ETS, says BPAXinhua reported on Oct. 15 that the Shushan dual lock on the Jianghuai Canal has begun trial operations. Once in service, it will operate alongside the existing lock to improve two-way passage for vessels of 1,000 tonnes and above. Through Oct. 6, vessel passages on the canal were up 22.8% year over year and tonnage was up 23.5%, adding capacity to regional Yangtze–Huai freight connections.
Source: 引江济淮工程规模最大船闸启动试运行A China Meteorological Administration forecast carried by the Ministry of Transport on Oct. 15 warned of force 7–8 winds, gusting to force 9, in the Bohai Strait and northern Yellow Sea on Oct. 17–18. Strong winds are also forecast in other waters over the coming days. Vessel operators, ports and cargo owners should track updated forecasts and carrier notices and leave time to adjust berthing and feeder plans.
Source: 2026年10月15日18时海洋天气公报The Guangzhou Port Authority announced on Oct. 13 that a zero-carbon container route between Nansha and Hong Kong has entered service, operated by a battery-electric container vessel. The authority says each vessel in the series can avoid more than 550 tonnes of carbon emissions a year. The cross-border feeder offers a lower-emission option for short-haul regional freight and brings decarbonization into live route operations.
Source: 大湾区（广州－香港）零碳航线正式投入运营DH Logistics View
- Today’s capacity pressure is concentrated in connections beyond the ocean leg: low Rhine levels are shifting barge cargo to rail and trucks, while US import gateways are short of drayage capacity. Door-to-door plans should integrate inland transfers and pickup appointments, with room for water-level, congestion and weather changes.
- Gulf risks still require active monitoring, but current market reporting does not indicate that alternative routings have stopped operating. Ocean rates, temperature-controlled air cargo and port choices face different supply conditions, so verify capacity, surcharges and contingencies for each commodity and route.
Planning Notes
- For European inland cargo, confirm barge, rail and truck capacity early and ask about low-water surcharges, alternatives and schedule recovery.
- For US-bound cargo, book pickup appointments early, confirm drayage and rail connections, and check free-time and peak handling charges.
- For pharma and other temperature-controlled goods, verify carrier qualifications, airport facilities, handoff procedures and backup routings instead of comparing base rates alone.
- Track current marine forecasts and carrier notices, and leave weather and geopolitical contingency time in delivery commitments and quotes.
Sources
View sources (8)
- International · Industry mediaLow Rhine water level driving barge cargo to capacity-strained road and railThe Loadstar · 2026-10-15
- International · Industry mediaNo post-peak easing at US container gateways, despite drayage woesThe Loadstar · 2026-10-15
- International · Industry mediaFreightos’ ocean freight update: Escalating ME conflict, port congestion, volume and rate trendsAmerican Journal of Transportation (AJOT) · 2026-10-15
- International · Industry mediaPharma traffic on the rise for LATAM Cargo, but global market stays 'flat'The Loadstar · 2026-10-15
- International · Industry mediaUK port volume growth not due to EU shippers avoiding ETS, says BPAThe Loadstar · 2026-10-15
- China · Industry media引江济淮工程规模最大船闸启动试运行新华网 · 2026-10-15
- China · Official institution2026年10月15日18时海洋天气公报交通运输部 · 2026-10-15
- China · Official institution大湾区（广州－香港）零碳航线正式投入运营广州市港务局 · 2026-10-13