Drewry’s index of average container shipping spot rates rose to $1,958 per 40-foot unit (+3%) between late February and early March 2026. China–US routes increased, while Asia–Europe remained weak. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and rising fuel costs could support further increases in the coming weeks.

A new case of a Tajik driver stopping his truck — this time in Rotterdam — to demand pay and better working conditions highlights a structured system of exploitation run by Lithuanian companies that exploit loopholes in European rules on the posting of workers. The Netherlands has become the centre of the protests.

An operation by the Guardia di Finanza uncovered illegal labour contracting in logistics between Trieste and Portogruaro. Fourteen people are under investigation, with two precautionary measures imposed and assets worth more than €750,000 seized. Ten companies and 120 workers were involved.

In the port of Ancona, the Guardia di Finanza and the Agenzia delle Dogane seized 10,584,000 detonators and 314,000 rounds of ammunition bound for Cyprus. The cargo, declared as miscellaneous goods, was about to be loaded onto a passenger ferry in violation of safety regulations.

On 4 March 2026 a small container ship and a tanker were hit in the Persian Gulf area, which has been targeted by drone and missile attacks from Iran. The risk area for cargo vessels is expanding.