A general rate increase, or GRI, is a carrier’s announced across-the-board increase to base freight rates on a trade lane, effective from a stated date. GRIs are a rate-restoration tool: carriers announce them when spot rates have eroded, and market conditions decide how much of each GRI sticks.
A GRI applies to tariff and spot business rather than fixed contract rates, and is typically announced per container size for a named trade, for example Asia to North Europe. Carriers may announce GRIs monthly or mid-month; if demand is soft, the increase is often discounted away within days.
In United States trades, rate increases filed in tariffs are subject to Federal Maritime Commission rules that require advance notice, which is why US-trade GRIs are announced weeks ahead. Long-term contract cargo is insulated until renewal, which is one reason shippers weigh spot against contract cover.
GRIs change what you pay, not how the box moves, but they cluster around tight capacity. The operational echo you can see in tracking is utilisation pressure: more rollovers and fuller vessels around effective dates as shippers pull cargo forward. Watching your lane’s sailings in TrackingMCP and port activity gives context for whether an announced GRI is likely to hold.
A general rate increase, or GRI, is a carrier’s announced across-the-board increase to base freight rates on a trade lane, effective from a stated date. GRIs are a rate-restoration tool: carriers announce them when spot rates have eroded, and market conditions decide how much of each GRI sticks.
Generally no. A GRI moves tariff and spot levels. Fixed rates in a service contract stay as agreed until the contract renews, though surcharges defined as floating in the contract can still move.
Because they are announcements, not market outcomes. If ships sail with space, carriers discount below the announced level to fill them, and the effective increase shrinks or vanishes.
Track sailings on your lane →
Port activity context →
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