Ocean freight rates are falling in November 2026, but blank sailings, Asia-Australia surcharges, rising airfreight costs and poor schedule reliability continue to create risk for Australian supply chains.
Maersk’s No Shipping Instruction, No Load policy means Australian export cargo may miss its vessel if documentation is not completed on time. Full enforcement begins 30 November 2026.
The October 2026 freight market update covers severe Asian port congestion, China Golden Week disruption, poor vessel reliability, Middle East risk and BMSB impacts for Australian importers and exporters.
The September 2026 freight market update shows rising pressure from global port congestion, China weather disruption, Golden Week planning, Middle East delays and freight surcharges.
China Golden Week 2026 runs from 1 to 7 October, but freight disruption can start earlier and continue after the holiday. Here is what Australian importers should check now.
Typhoon Saudel is forecast to approach China’s eastern coastline, creating fresh shipping risk for Ningbo, Shanghai, Xiamen and China to Australia freight schedules.
Typhoon Dolphin shipping delays may continue after the storm, with Shanghai, Ningbo and wider China export schedules still exposed to vessel bunching and rolled cargo.
DAFF has released the official BMSB Season Australia 2026-2027 measures, confirming treatment rules, target goods, season dates and key changes for importers.
Shanghai Port has reported record daily container throughput after Typhoon Bavi, but vessel bunching, yard pressure and schedule risk remain for Australian importers.
China port congestion remains active, with Super Typhoon Dolphin adding further risk to Shanghai, Ningbo and East China shipping schedules.