FW Desk News
FreightWatch.News
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Global container shipping on-time performance deteriorated for a third consecutive month in August, with just 29% of vessels arriving on schedule, according to industry analyst Xeneta. This marked a significant decline from July's 33% performance.
The Far East–Europe trade suffered the steepest declines, plummeting to 6% on-time performance with average delays reaching 8.2 days. These levels were unseen since late 2021. The lane continues grappling with Red Sea route disruptions, North European port congestion, and weather impacts. Four consecutive typhoons in China left 1.1 million TEUs stranded at major Asian ports following Typhoon Saudel.
Other trades deteriorated sharply as well. South America East Coast performance fell to 34%, down 12 percentage points, while Africa slid to 21%, off 15 percentage points. A three-day pilotage strike at Argentine ports in early August compounded pressures, forcing carriers to divert cargo and increasing berth delays.
Industry observers warn that sustained recovery appears unlikely as shippers approach fourth-quarter contracting and peak season.
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