Shipping Is Being Impacted by the Worldwide Container Shortage
Written on November 30, 2025
by Adrian Stan
In the following categories: News
The global shipping container shortage that began during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ripple through international trade — and the United States remains one of the most affected regions.
From inland depots to major coastal ports, supply chain congestion and high freight costs persist as container production and repositioning still lag behind post-pandemic demand.
The Ongoing Effects of the Global Container Shortage
Initially, shipping rates were stable, but by late 2020 they began rising almost weekly — a trend that carried into the 2020s. Even in 2025, rates remain higher than pre-pandemic averages.
The issue stems largely from China’s early manufacturing slowdown during the first COVID wave. A six-month gap in new container production created a domino effect that still hasn’t fully stabilized.
Reference: https://unctad.org/topic/transport-and-trade-logistics
How the Shortage Started
When the pandemic first hit, production of non-essential goods halted, and global shipping capacity collapsed. Manufacturers paused operations, and millions of containers sat idle at ports.
Once economies reopened, consumer demand surged for goods and materials — but container production was still frozen. The result was an acute shortage of empty containers, particularly in Asia, where exports outpaced available shipping equipment.
This imbalance continues to strain trans-Pacific trade, making it harder and more expensive to move goods between China, India, Southeast Asia, and North America.
Industry insights: https://www.drewry.co.uk/maritime-research
The 2025 Situation: Why It’s Still Not Over
Normally, global shipping demand slows after October, following the holiday shipping rush. But recent years have broken that pattern.
Even now in 2025, several factors keep rates and congestion elevated:
-
Persistent equipment shortages at Asian manufacturing hubs
-
High consumer demand in the U.S. and Europe
-
Geopolitical disruptions affecting major trade routes (e.g., the Red Sea and Baltic regions)
-
Energy and fuel cost inflation impacting freight pricing
-
Labor strikes and port slowdowns in the U.S. and Canada
Freight rates, according to Freightos and Drewry, remain 250–300% higher than in 2019 — though down from the record peaks of 2021–2022.
Freight data: https://fbx.freightos.com
Effects on U.S. and Canadian Ports
The West Coast ports — Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, and Vancouver — have been among the hardest hit. Inland logistics hubs like Chicago and Kansas City report reduced inventory due to slower container turnover.
Both coasts continue to face:
-
Shipment delays from Asia and Europe
-
Inventory shortages at inland distribution centers
-
Rising warehouse and trucking costs
At Yes Containers, we’ve seen many businesses shifting strategies — buying containers directly to secure storage and control their logistics instead of relying solely on rentals or external freight capacity.
Explore solutions:
The Bigger Picture: Supply Chain Resilience
Industry experts agree: the shortage highlighted how interdependent and fragile global supply chains have become.
To adapt, logistics providers and importers are focusing on:
-
Stronger supplier partnerships
-
Regionalized production and nearshoring
-
Owning container assets for more flexibility
-
Predictive technology to track and manage shipments in real time
Ultimately, collaboration across manufacturers, freight carriers, and end users will determine how quickly the global container flow returns to balance.
Supply chain analysis: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure
What It Means for Businesses and Consumers
Unfortunately, shipping delays and elevated freight costs continue to trickle down to end users. Whether it’s imported electronics, furniture, or raw materials — logistics inefficiencies lead to:
-
Higher retail prices
-
Longer delivery times
-
Reduced availability of certain products
That’s why transparency and patience remain essential. Carriers, importers, and consumers all share responsibility in navigating these challenges together.
If you’re struggling with storage or transport delays, consider owning your own shipping unit for flexibility:
👉 Get a Quote or call (800) 223-4755.
FAQs About the Worldwide Container Shortage
Q1: Is the global container shortage over in 2025?
Not completely. Container production has increased, but logistics imbalances and high fuel costs still limit equipment availability in key regions.
Q2: Why are containers still expensive?
Steel prices, demand fluctuations, and longer repositioning cycles all keep container costs higher than pre-2020 averages.
Q3: Are empty containers still stuck at ports?
Yes. Many remain stranded inland due to trucking inefficiencies, creating shortages at Asian export hubs.
Q4: How can small businesses adapt?
By purchasing used containers for storage or alternative uses, they can avoid third-party warehousing and improve logistics independence.
Q5: When will the shipping industry stabilize?
Analysts predict a gradual recovery by late 2026, as new container production and AI-based logistics planning improve equipment circulation.
Final Thoughts
The worldwide container shortage reshaped how we think about trade and logistics. Even in 2025, the supply chain remains under pressure — but it has also sparked innovation, from digital freight tracking to smarter port automation.
The key takeaway? Adaptability wins. Companies that invest in long-term container solutions and maintain strong relationships with shippers and suppliers will weather the storm and thrive in the new logistics era.
📞 Call (800) 223-4755 or Get a Quote today to secure your own container and take control of your storage and shipping needs.
