Equipment shortages have become one of the persistent pain points of the 2026 peak season, with 40-foot containers specifically in short supply across China and Southeast Asia even as overall vessel capacity has expanded.
Why 40-Foot Units Specifically
Larger containers move disproportionately more cargo per unit, making them the equipment carriers and shippers compete hardest over during a demand surge. When front-loading concentrates demand into a short window, 40-foot equipment gets pulled out of position faster than carriers can reposition empties back to origin.
How Shippers Are Adapting
- Booking further in advance to secure equipment allocation rather than relying on short-notice space
- Considering 20-foot equipment or LCL consolidation where cargo volume allows, to reduce dependency on scarce 40-foot units
- Working with forwarders who have dedicated equipment allocations through carrier relationships, rather than relying purely on spot market availability
An equipment shortage doesn't show up as a line item on your rate sheet — it shows up as a shipment that doesn't move on the date you needed it to.
If equipment availability has been a recurring issue on your China or Southeast Asia lanes, it's worth reviewing your booking lead time and whether a longer-term equipment allocation arrangement would help.