kelolalaut.com The increase in export and domestic transportation rates in 2026 is the result of a combination of global and domestic factors. Although each mode of transportation has its own characteristics, the primary cause is the imbalance between transportation demand and available capacity, coupled with rising operational costs.
1. Increased Export Demand During Peak Season
From mid-year through the end of the year, manufacturers around the world increase export volumes to meet market demand ahead of major global shopping seasons, including Back-to-School, Black Friday, Christmas, and New Year. This surge in demand results in limited vessel space and container availability, driving freight rates higher. In 2026, many shipping lines also implemented Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) and General Rate Increase (GRI) to accommodate the increased demand.
2. Limited Vessel and Container Capacity
Although the global shipping fleet expanded in 2026, effective capacity remained constrained due to several factors, including:
As a result, cargo space became scarce, allowing shipping companies to increase freight rates as demand exceeded available capacity.
3. International Geopolitical Disruptions
Conflicts and instability along major international shipping routes forced vessels to take longer alternative routes. This resulted in:
These additional costs were ultimately passed on to customers through higher ocean freight rates.
4. Rising Fuel Prices
Fuel represents one of the largest cost components in the transportation industry. As oil and bunker fuel prices increased, shipping lines and trucking companies applied Fuel Adjustment Factor (FAF) or Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) surcharges, leading to higher transportation costs.
5. Port Congestion
The surge in cargo volumes created vessel queues at both export and destination ports. The consequences included:
These additional operational costs were reflected in higher freight charges for customers.
6. Shipping Lines' Capacity Management Strategies
In 2026, many shipping companies managed capacity more tightly through:
These strategies were intended to maintain a balance between supply and demand and prevent freight rates from declining during periods of weaker cargo volumes.
7. Rising Domestic Transportation Costs in Indonesia
In addition to global factors, domestic transportation rates in Indonesia were also affected by several operational cost increases, including:
Consequently, inland transportation rates from ports to warehouses and industrial areas also increased.
8. Cargo Imbalance
On several export routes, a cargo imbalance occurred where export volumes significantly exceeded return cargo (backhaul) volumes. As trucks and containers frequently returned empty, the cost of the return trip had to be absorbed into the outbound freight charges. This situation contributed to higher export and domestic transportation rates.
9. Last-Minute Demand Before Major Holidays
Prior to major holidays such as:
many exporters accelerated shipments to ensure goods arrived before holiday closures. This sudden increase in demand quickly filled available transportation capacity, resulting in significant freight rate increases.
Impact on Businesses
The increase in transportation costs in 2026 had several direct impacts on businesses, including: