Container shipping rates have increased.

Domestic container shipping rates have increased significantly, with some routes seeing increases of up to 25% due to rising fuel costs.

From mid-March 2026, container shipping rates will increase sharply due to pressure from fuel prices.

From mid-March 2026, many domestic shipping companies issued notices adjusting container shipping rates, with common increases ranging from 15% to 25%, depending on the route and type of container.

Hai An Container Transport Co., Ltd. has implemented a new price list effective from March 19th. For 20-foot containers with cargo, the freight rate for the Hai Phong – Ho Chi Minh City route is 6.5 million VND/container; the Hai Phong – Cai Mep route is 7.5 million VND/container; and the Nghi Son – Cai Mep and Cai Mep – Da Nang routes are both at 8.5 million VND/container.

For 40-foot containers, freight rates for the Hai Phong – Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong – Cai Mep, and Nghi Son – Cai Mep routes are VND 9 million, VND 10.5 million, and VND 11 million per container, respectively. Some routes have higher rates, such as Cai Mep – Da Nang and Cai Mep – Nghi Son, both priced at VND 11.5 million per container.

Compared to the prices effective from March 15, 2025, the company's new price list shows an increase of approximately 1-1.5 million VND per container. This indicates increasing pressure from rising input costs.

Similarly, VSICO Maritime Joint Stock Company announced a price adjustment effective March 25, 2026. Specifically, the Hai Phong – Ho Chi Minh City route will cost 7 million VND/20-foot container and 10 million VND/40-foot container; the Ho Chi Minh City – Hai Phong route will cost 6 million VND and 8.5 million VND/container respectively.

According to businesses, compared to the previous declaration period, freight rates increased by more than 17%, with the Hai Phong - Ho Chi Minh City route for 40-foot containers seeing the sharpest increase, up to 25%.

Notably, Vsico also implemented a fuel surcharge starting March 15th. The company explained that tensions in the Middle East have caused fuel prices to rise and are expected to continue, forcing the shipping company to adjust prices to offset costs.

Not only in the Vietnamese domestic market, but the international container shipping market is also seeing a surge in freight rates. Several carriers, such as MSC and CMA CGM, have announced increases in FAK freight rates, effective from March 22nd.

Given the tense situation in the Middle East, and to ensure the safety of ships and crew members operating in the region, the Hai Phong Maritime Port Authority has sent a document to shipping companies; the Vietnam Shipowners Association; the Vietnam Maritime Agents, Brokers and Services Association; the Vietnam Logistics Business Association; crew supply companies; and ship captains, informing them about the temporary suspension of accepting orders to and from the Middle East.

Accordingly, for shipments currently en route to the Middle East, the goods will be diverted and unloaded at a different, suitable port, with all related costs borne by the shipping company and the customer.

MINH KHOI

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/cuoc-van-tai-container-tang-cao-538276.html