# Ocean freight rates for bulk commodities surge above year-ago levels despite seasonal trends | Feed & Grain

> The AMS Grain Transportation Report, released April 23, showed bulk ocean freight rates in Q1 2026 running above year-ago levels despite typical seasonal softness. Gulf to Japan averaged $54.93/t, up 19% year over year, and Pacific Northwest to Japan averaged $30.68/t, up 14%. Rising bunker fuel costs tied to the Middle East conflict added upward pressure.

- Date: 2026-04-24 · published 2026-04-24T12:00:00.000Z
- Category: logistics · region US · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/19926-ocean-freight-rates-for-bulk-commodities-surge-above-year-ago-levels-despite
- Commodities: [Ocean Grain Freight](https://feedsoft.ai/c/OCEANFRT.md)

## Why it matters

Higher freight adds to the landed and export cost of US grain and meal, which can widen export basis and weigh on competitiveness against Black Sea and South American origins.

## Read by commodity

- OCEANFRT: bullish ▲

## Sources

- feedandgrain.com: https://www.feedandgrain.com/grain-supply-chain/transportation/news/15823217/ocean-freight-rates-for-bulk-commodities-surge-above-yearago-levels-despite-seasonal-trends

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Data from Feedsoft AI (https://feedsoft.ai/). For information only; not investment advice.