Record levels of empty container shipments reflect imbalances in global trade, with uneven shipment volumes placing equipment in lower-demand regions and requiring repositioning.

Measured in TEU-miles, Sea-Intelligence calculations revealed that the share of empty boxes relative to full containers now accounted for approximately one-third of global container shipping activity, reported splash247. Before the pandemic, that ratio was one-in-four.

The Sea-Intelligence data also showed that empty container volumes had surged 65% since the first quarter 2019, outpacing the 17% growth in full container shipments over the same period.

Further reporting by Global Trade, cited Sea-Intelligence’s analysis which said ocean carriers were moving double the volume of empty containers compared to pre-pandemic levels. 

Rising costs associated with repositioning empty equipment will be ultimately absorbed into broader freight pricing structures, Sea-Intelligence warned, as reported by splash247. Shippers on high-volume headhaul trades will likely bear the brunt of these imbalances in the form of elevated freight rates.

Industry data from Container xChange estimated that empty container repositioning costs the sector approximately $20 billion annually. Beyond the direct financial burden, these movements also contributed to port congestion and increased emissions. 

Source: splash247, Global Trade, Container xChange