“An intense rollercoaster” The 2026 container shipping market

As 2025 draws to a close, ocean markets are loosening fast.

Rates are falling, carriers are blanking sailings, and excess capacity is back — big time. But for freight buyers, that chaos spells opportunity.

In EP55 of The Freight Buyers’ Club, supported by Dimerco Express Group, host Mike Kinggets straight answers from two insiders who’ve seen it all:

• Mark Chadwick, President, Global Shippers’ Association — representing some of the world’s biggest cargo owners.
• Chantal McRoberts, Director, Drewry Supply Chain Advisors — guiding global shippers through contracting, pricing, and strategy.

Together they unpack:

✅ How shippers are negotiating smarter 2026 contracts

✅ The risks and opportunities in a buyer’s market

✅ Why freight rates are sliding — and where they’ll bottom out

✅ Carrier tactics on blank sailings and surcharges

✅ What a “rollercoaster” 2026 really means for ocean freight