TrueFreight Index (TFX) from Freight Right

The Freight Right TrueFreight Index (TFX) tracks global container shipping rates in real-time, ensuring accuracy through rigorous data validation and volume-weighted calculations. It aggregates pricing from logistics providers, filtering anomalies. Automated processes enhance objectivity, while ongoing reviews and audits ensure reliability, aligning with market trends and industry demands.

📊 Freight Market Update – Week of April 28, 2025 📊

Rates are back on the rise as we close out April and look like they’re going to stay high through May - on one condition. The De Minimis exception is due to end this week. US Customs & Border Protection released new guidance on De Minimis and confirmed its end date late last week. Shipment volumes, both for tariffs and the end of De Minimis, are expected to be turbulent in the weeks ahead.

📊 On the Market & Rates:

✅ Rates Increasing Again Heading into May: Rates appear to be changing course again from last week and now headed towards increases. Average at-cost rate for CEA to USWC $2,550 / 40HC and CEA to USEC is currently $3,400 / 40HC per the Freight Right TFX. One explanation we’ve learned while talking to our customers and partners is an optimistic outlook towards the US and China making significant progress on tariffs. Anticipating a positive near-term outlook, carriers are expecting once progress is made importers, those currently sidelined as well as those importing for holiday demand, will resume their normal operations as quickly as possible.

✅ Shipment Volumes Increasing Throughout Southeast Asia: Freight demand from Southeast Asia is rising, with some forwarders seeing 20% more bookings. This is driven by the 90-day U.S. tariff pause for these countries and importers frontloading before the July deadline.

✅ De Minimis Exception Ends May 2nd: US Customs & Border Protection released updated guidance on ending De Minimis on May 2nd. Importers should expect disruptions after May 2, when De Minimis treatment for Chinese goods is suspended, likely hurting China-US air volumes and pushing rates lower.

📰 In the News:

WSJ: China Quietly Exempts Some U.S.-Made Products From Tariffs: https://www.wsj.com/economy/trade/china-quietly-exempts-some-u-s-made-products-from-tariffs-b7bc033c (non paywall link: https://archive.ph/knVPE)
Supply Chain Dive: US opens Section 232 probe into truck imports: https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/trump-section-232-investigation-trucks/746404/
Maritime Logistics: Mexico Expands Its Largest Port in Bet on Economic Growth and Global Trade: https://www.maritimeprofessional.com/news/mexico-expands-largest-port-economic-405014

💡 Article of Interest:

Customs brokers are having a moment in the mainstream. The Wall Street Journal talks to some aspiring customs brokers and gets into the 4 hour long, open-book licensing exam, its demand for meticulous knowledge of product classification, valuation, and customs procedures and more: .https://www.wsj.com/economy/trade/tariffs-trump-trade-world-economy-markets-824b9c25 (non paywall link: https://archive.ph/gCxGZ)

📷 Photo of Interest:

The Seattle Times captured some intriguing photos of an empty Port of Seattle: https://www.seattletimes.com/business/tariff-tit-for-tat-has-seattle-waiting-for-the-ships-to-come-in/

About the TrueFreight Index

Methodology

The Freight Right TrueFreight Index (TFX) is a benchmark designed to accurately reflect global container shipping rates by capturing real-time market fluctuations across carriers' spot, FAK, vessel and ratio rate data. Built on a foundation of transparency and data integrity, the index aggregates pricing information from multiple logistics providers, including freight forwarders and industry stakeholders.

To maintain accuracy, the index applies rigorous data validation techniques, filtering out anomalies and inconsistencies. It primarily relies on median spot rates for standard container shipments across key trade lanes. In cases of limited data availability, a structured methodology ensures completeness and reliability.

The index calculation follows a volume-weighted approach, where major trade routes with higher shipping activity exert greater influence on the final benchmark value. Automated processes eliminate bias, ensuring objectivity and consistency in rate determination.

Freight Right continuously enhances the index through regular reviews, quality control audits, and backtesting, ensuring it remains a reliable market indicator that aligns with industry trends and market demands.