Skypace Ocean Freight Rate Index

Bookable Ocean Freight: Chicago Rail Ramp to Rotterdam

28 sailings available over 6 weeks (~5/week) | Last updated: February 15, 2026 (weekly refresh)

Route Summary

Origin
Chicago Rail Ramp, United States
USCHI
Destination
Rotterdam, Netherlands
NLRTM
Transit Time
23-36 days
Carriers
7 carriers
MSC, ONE (Ocean Network Express), Maersk Line...
Price Range by Container Type (Ocean Freight)
20GP: $972.19 - $1,733.83
40GP: $942.48 - $2,095.83
40HC: $942.48 - $2,095.83

Market Analytics Summary

Market Low (40HC)
$942.48
Independent, Premier Alliance, Gemini Cooperation, Ocean Alliance
Market High (40HC)
$2,095.83
Spread: $1,153.35
Sailings Available
28
~5 per week from 7 carriers

Which Transit Port Offers Best Value?

Analysis based on 28 sailings across 3 routing options:

Transit Port 40HC Price Range Transit Days Carriers
Norfolk Cheapest Fastest $942.48 - $2,095.83 23-34 days Maersk Line, ONE (Ocean Network Express), Evergreen Line
Direct $1,050.18 - $1,659.19 0-0 days MSC, ONE (Ocean Network Express), OOCL
New York $1,334.46 - $1,335.96 30-36 days Evergreen Line

Available Sailings

Vessel Schedule
Predictability
Allocation Routing Transit ETD 20' 40' 40'HC
Independent
Vessel Unknown
- 10% Direct N/A N/A $1,241.19 $1,659.19 $1,659.19
Freight: $597 + Origin THC: $720 + Dest THC: $342.19
Gemini Cooperation
NINGBO EXPRESS
608E
Normal SPOT via Norfolk 30 days Feb 22, 2026 $1,537.48 $990.48 $990.48
Freight: $610 + Dest THC: $380.48
Ocean Alliance
EVER FAITH
033E
Low (1) 25% via Norfolk 28 days Feb 25, 2026 $1,042.36 $1,306.36 $1,306.36
Freight: $869 + Dest THC: $437.36
Ocean Alliance
OOCL CHONGQING
065E
Low (1) 75% via Norfolk 30 days Mar 2, 2026 $1,042.36 $1,306.36 $1,306.36
Freight: $869 + Dest THC: $437.36
Ocean Alliance
EVER FAITH
0LBLKE1MA
Low (1) SPOT via Norfolk 27 days Feb 25, 2026 $1,733.83 $2,095.83 $2,095.83
Freight: $988 + Origin THC: $799 + Dest THC: $308.83
Gemini Cooperation
SUAPE EXPRESS
609E
Normal SPOT via Norfolk 30 days Mar 1, 2026 $1,523.48 $962.48 $962.48
Freight: $582 + Dest THC: $380.48
Ocean Alliance
OOCL CHONGQING
0LBLME1MA
Low (1) SPOT via Norfolk 29 days Mar 1, 2026 $1,733.83 $2,095.83 $2,095.83
Freight: $988 + Origin THC: $799 + Dest THC: $308.83
Ocean Alliance
CMA CGM PHOENIX
0LBLOE1MA
High 85% via New York 33 days Mar 5, 2026 $1,057.16 $1,335.96 $1,335.96
Freight: $869 + Origin THC: $29.6 + Dest THC: $437.36
Gemini Cooperation
KIEL EXPRESS
610E
High SPOT via Norfolk 30 days Mar 8, 2026 $1,517.48 $950.48 $950.48
Freight: $570 + Dest THC: $380.48
Ocean Alliance
OOCL SEOUL
118E
High 85% via New York 34 days Mar 12, 2026 $1,057.16 $1,335.96 $1,335.96
Freight: $869 + Origin THC: $29.6 + Dest THC: $437.36
Ocean Alliance
OOCL SEOUL
0LBLQE1MA
High SPOT via Norfolk 30 days Mar 14, 2026 $1,733.83 $2,095.83 $2,095.83
Freight: $988 + Origin THC: $799 + Dest THC: $308.83
Ocean Alliance
COSCO HOPE
074E
High 95% via New York 34 days Mar 19, 2026 $1,057.16 $1,335.96 $1,335.96
Freight: $869 + Origin THC: $29.6 + Dest THC: $437.36
Gemini Cooperation
AL MANAMAH
612E
High SPOT via Norfolk 23 days Mar 22, 2026 $1,513.48 $942.48 $942.48
Freight: $562 + Dest THC: $380.48
Ocean Alliance
CMA CGM FIDELIO
0LBLUE1MA
High 95% via New York 33 days Mar 26, 2026 $1,057.16 $1,335.96 $1,335.96
Freight: $869 + Origin THC: $29.6 + Dest THC: $437.36
Gemini Cooperation
AL SAFAT
613E
High SPOT via Norfolk 23 days Mar 29, 2026 $1,513.48 $942.48 $942.48
Freight: $562 + Dest THC: $380.48

Showing 25 of 28 sailings. Enable JavaScript to see all rates and interactive features.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does shipping from Chicago Rail Ramp to Rotterdam take?

Transit time typically ranges from 23-36 days depending on the carrier and routing. Direct services from Ocean Alliance (CMA CGM, COSCO, Evergreen) and Gemini (Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd) offer the fastest transit. We monitor 4 major carrier groups in real-time to find optimal price/transit combinations.

What is the average cost for a 40'HC on this route?

Current range: $562 - $1,206 for a 40'HC (ocean freight only). Prices are updated weekly based on data from 50+ carrier contracts. The price chart above shows 8-week history by alliance group. "Other" includes MSC (independent) and ZIM.

Is the displayed price all-inclusive?

We provide a transparent cost breakdown including: BAF (fuel surcharge), THC (terminal handling), documentation fees. Terminal fees on this route range from $321.18-$1107.83 per container for origin and destination combined. Per-shipment fees (B/L, AMS, ISF): approximately $75-150. No hidden surprises.

When is the best time to book for lower rates?

Low season (March-May, November-December): Rates are typically lower than peak season. Peak season (August-October): Pre-holiday inventory rush. Book 3-4 weeks ahead to secure space and lock rates. Check our price history chart - the lowest rates in the past 8 weeks were from Jan 31.

Which carriers serve this route?

Ocean Alliance: CMA CGM, COSCO, OOCL, Evergreen - ~28% market share. Gemini: Maersk + Hapag-Lloyd (formed Feb 2025) - hub-and-spoke model for reliability. Premier Alliance: ONE, HMM, Yang Ming (formed Feb 2025). Independent: MSC (world's largest carrier), ZIM - often competitive on price. Active carriers on this specific route: MSC, ONE (Ocean Network Express), Maersk Line, OOCL, Evergreen Line, CMA-CGM, Hapag-Lloyd.

Which transit port offers the best value?

Norfolk (Cheapest) (Fastest): 40HC $562-$988, Transit 23-34 days, Carriers: Maersk Line, ONE (Ocean Network Express). Chicago Rail Ramp: 40HC $597-$1,206, Transit 0-0 days, Carriers: MSC, ONE (Ocean Network Express). New York: 40HC $869-$869, Transit 30-36 days, Carriers: Evergreen Line

How fast is my Export Booking confirmed?

Freight rates are bookable online. Skypace is integrated with 10 top carriers for accelerated booking placement between the Client and Carrier. This process is fully and continuously orchestrated by the customer service and logistics department of Maxton Shipping Inc. The Efficiency Difference: Traditional: Booking Request → [QUEUE: Customer Service Rep] → Human Validation → [TIME LOSS] → Request to Carrier. Skypace: Booking Request → [AUTO DETAILS VALIDATION] → Accelerated Request to Carrier. Real-world Example: Bill from Divine Enterprises books a shipment from Port Houston to Port Rotterdam. When he enters shipment data sufficient to place a booking on a specific vessel, the system verifies the necessary information and places the request with the ocean line. Skypace AI and the booking operator track the booking status and coordinate its fate with the Client through all phases. Upon successful confirmation, the Client can issue the Bill of Lading, track the cargo, and manage post-shipment documentation directly from their account dashboard.

How does the Import Port-to-Port booking process work?

Unlike Exports where the client initiates the cargo movement, Imports require validation at origin. Your booking placement does not trigger instantly. First, our operator in the country of origin verifies schedule accuracy and contacts the Exporter to confirm Cargo Readiness. Only then do we proceed with the booking. If the Exporter proposes an alternative date, our export operator returns to you with options for earlier or later sailings, ensuring you have full visibility and control over your import timeline before any commitment is made.

How are Door-to-Door shipments managed?

When a customer books a Door-to-Port or Door-to-Door shipment (Import or Export), we execute a semi-automated validation process. We validate that all address and cargo data is sufficient to place a firm order with the ocean line for a valid sailing date, ensuring no details are missed before execution.

Is full automation available for high-volume shippers?

Yes. Full automation modes are available for clients with accounts on app.skypace.com. This allows local account teams to implement SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) that automate booking allocation across carriers. The platform can notify and integrate suppliers (e.g., OEMs, assembly lines, customs brokers, local truckers) into the workflow, creating a semi-automated process for moving POs/SKUs. This supports both Automated Carrier Selection based on price/transit preferences and Automated Stakeholder Notifications at each shipment milestone.

How do I make a booking with Skypace?

We offer three paths depending on your urgency and preference: Guest Booking (No Account yet): Go to the Quote, select a rate, and click "Book as Guest". Our customer service team will validate your request within 24 hours to create your profile and identify credit terms. Recommended if you are short on time today and your shipment is not departing for at least 7 days. Express Account (For Urgent Cargo): Go to Sign Up first. Our Account Management team will welcome you within 1 business day (often faster) to assign credit terms. Once active, bookings are processed instantly. Recommended if you have an urgent shipment departing soon. Guided Booking (Concierge): Not sure where to start? Go to skypace.com/contact to call, leave a message, or start a Live Chat. Our Logistics Management team will guide you and your colleagues on how to get started, onboard your team, and set up your workflows.

Data & Methodology

Authorized Retailer Guarantee

Rates are sourced from Skypace's carrier contracts and updated weekly. Prices shown are indicative ocean freight rates and do not constitute a binding offer. Final pricing confirmed upon booking.

Cargo Exclusions

Rates apply to standard dry cargo only. Hazardous goods (IMO classes 1-9), refrigerated cargo, out-of-gauge shipments, and commodities requiring special permits may incur additional charges or require separate quotation.

TBA Charges

The following charges are typically invoiced separately: Documentation fees ($35-75), AMS/ISF filing ($25-50 per B/L), Chassis usage at destination, Demurrage & Detention (after free time), Customs clearance, and Inland transportation.

Booking Verification Process

Maxton Shipping Inc. d/b/a Skypace operates as a licensed NVOCC (FMC #030653) and freight forwarder. All shipments are subject to our Terms of Service and the applicable bill of lading terms. Rates are subject to change without notice and subject to space availability.

Skypace Retail Pricing Policy

All freight rates displayed on Skypace are proprietary Retail Offers provided by Maxton Shipping Inc. These rates are inclusive of base freight, applicable surcharges, and Skypace operational fees. While based on direct carrier contracts, these rates constitute independent commercial offers from Skypace and may differ from direct carrier spot rates. Bookings are subject to verification of cargo readiness and vessel space availability.

Rate Scope & Final Calculation

The rates displayed represent the Ocean Freight cost structure (Base Freight + Carrier Surcharges). They exclude variable shipment-level fees, specifically:

  • Handling Charges: Per shipment / Bill of Lading fees.
  • Government & Compliance: Export/Import Customs Clearance, Duties, and Taxes.
  • Accessorials: Charges applicable to Door-to-Door scenarios (e.g., Chassis split, Waiting time, Residential delivery).

Ready to Ship? Book online to accelerate your supply chain — use the "Quote Shipment" feature on this page, visit www.skypace.com, or log in to the official platform at app.skypace.com.