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TrueFreight Index (TFX): Real-Time Global Container Freight Rates

Stay ahead of container freight market shifts with the TrueFreight Index (TFX), your real-time source for global spot rate data. TFX provides transparent, volume-weighted rates that reflect the true cost of shipping a container today from major global lanes, with a focus on China to US West Coast (USWC) and East Coast (USEC).

Why the TrueFreight Index Matters

The Challenge of Freight Rate Volatility

Global supply chains face constant cost fluctuations. Traditional contract rates often fail to reflect current market dynamics, leaving shippers exposed.

How TFX Helps Shippers & Forwarders

Who Uses TFX

TFX is built for:

Stay Ahead with the TrueFreight Index

The TrueFreight Index provides shippers, forwarders, and BCOs with the most up-to-date snapshot of container shipping spot market rates. Our index is updated daily with verified market bids to help you navigate rate volatility, secure better contracts, and plan your supply chain with confidence.

Current Container Spot Rates

Below are the latest spot rates for the most active trade lanes. Rates reflect the market average for standard 20ft (LCL) and 40ft containers (FCL) on the spot market.

Freight Market Analysis & Insights

Stay up to date with the latest changes in the freight market with Freight Right's market analysis under the News section of the site.

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.

Supplement Your Analysis With TrueFreight Index

The TrueFreight Index is a supplemental index to the world's major container freight indicies. The major indices offer holistic views of the freight market while TrueFreight offers analysts, logistics managers and supply chain professionals an answer to the question "how much does it cost to purchase container space today?" with an uncluttered look only at the spot rate market.

How TFX Compares to Other Freight Indices

TFX vs Drewry World Container Index (WCI)

TFX vs Freightos Baltic Index (FBX)

What Makes TFX Unique

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the TrueFreight Index differ from Drewry or Freightos?

TrueFreight is built on verified daily spot market bids and focuses on real, actionable rates you can benchmark instantly. Unlike survey-based indices, our data is direct from active market transactions.

Does TrueFreight cover all container sizes and service levels?

Yes, we track FCL, LCL, and premium service tiers, plus different container sizes (20ft, 40ft, HC).

How often is the index updated?

Weekly, with plans for more frequent updates.

Can I use TFX to benchmark my own quotes?

Yes. TFX is ideal for rate comparisons and supplier negotiations.

Are these rates global?

TFX focuses on high-volume lanes like China to US, with global expansion coming.

What makes this different from contract rate tools?

TFX reflects real market prices, not locked-in or survey rates.

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Get Started with Freight Right

TrueFreight Index is powered by Freight Right Global Logistics, a trusted name in international shipping, technology-forward logistics, and supply chain optimization.

Learn more About Freight Right or explore our News & Insights for the latest in global freight.

Need help with a shipment?

Talk to our team about your container freight needs or request a quote.