The following charts show what happens when an increasing number of ships meets falling demand.
Harper Petersen Shipping Rates by Vessel Size – Ten Years
Source: Harper Petersen
More charts below, but first let’s explain TEU.
TEU
TEU stands for twenty-foot-equivalent unit. It’s an imprecise term because lengths are standard but heights are not. Heights range from 2 feet three inches to 9 foot six inches. The most common heights are 8 feet 6 inches (2.6 m) and 9 feet 6 inches (2.9 m).
Let’s hone in on shipping rates for the last two years.
Harper Petersen Shipping Rates by Vessel Size – Two Years
Harper Petersen Index – Ten Years
Harper Petersen Index – One Year
Something clearly happened in first quarter of this year in terms of shipping demand.
Mike “Mish” Shedlock
