Rate outlook and buying discipline

Drewry’s August 6, 2026 assessment placed the World Container Index at USD 4,297 per 40-foot container, up 1% week on week, while Shanghai–Genoa declined 2% to USD 5,506. That suggests the Mediterranean trade is stabilizing at an elevated level rather than entering a clear downward trend. Shanghai shippers should therefore use short-validity quotations and confirm whether bunker, peak-season, equipment and destination surcharges are included.

Why the Fos terminal matters

Port-de-Bouc is located beside the western harbor area of Marseille Fos. Official port information lists Terminal de la Méditerranée and Fos 2XL as major container facilities, supported by road, rail and river connections. The commercial quotation should identify the actual discharge terminal, customs location, free-time allowance, pickup rules, empty-container depot and final truck leg. If those items are missing, the quoted ocean rate is not yet a usable landed-cost figure.

Execution before vessel departure

Confirm HS code, invoice wording, packing list, EORI/VAT data, Incoterms, importer-of-record status, product conformity and IPPC requirements before gate-in. Qingdao ZHV International Logistics should release the shipment only after the France-side broker and delivery appointment process are documented. When selecting a fba freight forwarder china, ask for a destination-charge sheet covering terminal handling, customs, duty/VAT advances, inspection, demurrage, detention and storage. When benchmarking a second fba freight forwarder china, compare tax-payment evidence, customs-release timestamps, empty-return instructions and signed POD. Qingdao International Logistics procurement teams should also request a backup sailing and a named escalation contact in southern France.

Cost-control method

Use one landed-cost worksheet with origin handling, ocean freight, terminal charges, brokerage, duty/VAT, trucking and contingency. If the carrier changes the transshipment or Fos terminal before departure, reprice the inland leg and free-time exposure immediately.

Contact: Lee +86 18253269597

Media and port references: Drewry World Container Index, August 6, 2026; Shipping Telegraph, August 7, 2026; Port of Marseille Fos official container information.