Rates: Select carriers have implemented general rate increases (GRIs) for the second half of July. Overall, rate increases have had more staying power than compared to the beginning of 2023.
Space: Space is open.
Capacity: Capacity is open, with more expected in August and September as carriers receive and deploy new vessels they ordered.
Equipment: Available at virtually all inland and coastal points.
TIPS:

• Keep a pulse on inventory and establish concrete timelines with ordering. Will you be importing before the holidays and peak season? Are you holding off until 2024?
• Hold your logistics partners accountable for frequent updates regarding blank sailings, rate increases, or any other forms of market maintenance.

IMPORT: Europe to North America (TAWB)

Rates: Rates continue to steadily fall.
Space: Space is open, except for a few pockets.
Capacity: Capacity is open.
Equipment: Availability on both origin and destination sides, unless advised otherwise.
TIPS:

• Book at least three weeks prior to ready date.
• Rates, while falling, are still high compared to other trades. Carriers still possess a degree of power in the transatlantic over the shipper.
• Premium add-ons (i.e., no-roll options and improved cargo reliability) remain assurances shippers should consider with transatlantic service.

EXPORT: North America to Asia

• Despite West Coast labor tensions averted, agriculture exporters are still eyeing to diversify their routing options to the East and Gulf coasts going forward.

Rates: Rates are low and level. 
Space: Space is open but tighter on U.S. Gulf Coast 
Capacity: Capacity is widely available for all services.
Equipment: Availability at virtually all inland points and seaports. However, chassis access remains a wildcard against fluid intermodal movement.
TIPS:

• Book at least two weeks prior to the time of departure.
• Shippers with high volume projects should take advantage of the carriers’ receptiveness to take on these opportunities. Space is wide open with a high acceptance rate.