The 2026 container shipping market is giving freight buyers something they have rarely had in recent years: a genuine strategic advantage, especially for those with the right strategic partners On key lanes such as Asia to Europe, carriers are showing strong interest in bids, and shippers are in a position to be more selective. This moment offers freight buyers a rare opportunity to reassert control, reduce volatility, and reshape relationships after several unpredictable seasons. While many shippers are still hesitant to act, the shift in market conditions is giving them room to think ahead.