UN Trade and Development describes freight-rate volatility, rerouting and higher operating costs as continuing features of the maritime market. [1]
What a shipper should price
A useful freight budget separates the base ocean rate from surcharges, equipment, demurrage, detention, insurance, transshipment and destination charges. It should also state the quotation date, route, equipment type and validity period.
Why one spot number is not enough
Rates can change by carrier, port pair, equipment and booking window. The former fixed range for Shanghai–North Europe and the claimed on-time percentages have been removed because this page did not have a precise dated rate report supporting them.
For a live shipment, use a current carrier or freight-index quotation and treat any market commentary as analysis rather than a guaranteed rate.