Container Shipping Prices 2026: FCL Rate Guide
2026 container rates from Turkey to Northern Europe: 20' standard 1,200-2,000 EUR, 40' standard 1,800-3,000 EUR ocean freight. Additional surcharges (THC, BAF, ISPS) add 20-40% to base rates.
2026 Container Rates
| Route | 20' Standard | 40' Standard | 40' HC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul - Hamburg | 1,200-1,800 EUR | 1,800-2,800 EUR | 2,000-3,000 EUR |
| Istanbul - Rotterdam | 1,300-1,900 EUR | 1,900-2,900 EUR | 2,100-3,100 EUR |
| Mersin - Felixstowe | 1,500-2,000 EUR | 2,200-3,000 EUR | 2,400-3,200 EUR |
Rates shown are ocean freight only. Surcharges additional.
Common Surcharges
- THC: 150-250 EUR/container
- BAF: 100-300 EUR/container
- ISPS: 10-20 EUR/container
- B/L fee: 30-50 EUR
Spot vs Contract
Spot: current market, changes per shipment. Contract: fixed for 3-12 months, 10-20% lower but requires volume commitment.
FAQ
FCL vs LCL breakpoint?
Above 14-15 m³, FCL becomes more economical than LCL.
How to reduce rates?
Long-term contract, flexible dates, off-peak shipping.
What is THC?
Terminal Handling Charge for port-side container handling.
All-in pricing?
Request all-in quotes for fair comparison between carriers.
References
- Drewry Container Index
- Freightos Baltic Index
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