Lara GuevaraSupply Chain expert (Product and Service)

Per Unit Cost Just Increased

21 Apr 2026 · 1 min

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China-to-US freight rates jumped 10% in early March 2026, pushing a $4,800 container to $5,280. For a 2,000-unit shipment, that's an extra $0.40 per unit, cutting an $5 margin by 8%. Lara Guevara breaks down why small freight moves hit your bottom line hard.

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China to US Trans-Pacific spot rates increased roughly 10% in early March 2026. Let's translate that into real numbers. If your last container cost $4,800 in ocean freight, a 10% increase adds $480. Add emergency fuel surcharges, now the increase might reach $800 or more. If that container carries 2,000 units, that's roughly 40 cents additional cost per unit. On an SKU with $5 margin, that's an 8% profit reduction. Freight changes often sound small, but when you convert them to unit economics, the impact becomes clear. Calculate the cost impact of a 10% freight increase on your next shipment. Update your margin forecast accordingly.