Container shipping reliability edges upwards, but schedule performance remains critical to supply chain efficiency

Whilst global container shipping schedule reliability recorded a modest improvement in September 2026, according to Sea Intelligence, rising to 50.6%, the U-Freight group says that nonetheless, the latest figures highlight the continuing challenges facing international supply chains and the importance of dependable ocean freight services.

According to the latest Global Liner Performance report from maritime analyst Sea-Intelligence, schedule reliability improved by 0.9 percentage points compared with August, bringing to an end three consecutive months of decline. However, the September figure remains significantly below the 64.5% peak recorded in May 2026.

The report also found that the average delay for late vessel arrivals fell slightly to 6.65 days, an improvement of 0.3 days month-on-month. Nevertheless, delays remain substantial, underlining the difficulties that shippers and logistics providers continue to face when planning international cargo movements.

Among the world’s leading container shipping lines, Maersk recorded the highest schedule reliability in September at 64.8%, followed by Hapag-Lloyd at 60.4%, MSC at 57.7% and CMA CGM at 51.8%.

Reliability is fundamental to efficient supply chains

While the marginal improvement is encouraging, the fact that only around half of scheduled container ship arrivals were on time demonstrates why schedule reliability remains such an important consideration for businesses involved in international trade.

Unpredictable vessel arrivals can have consequences throughout the supply chain. Delays may disrupt production schedules, create inventory management challenges, increase warehousing and storage costs, and affect the availability of goods for distribution to end customers.

For importers and exporters, reliable shipping schedules are therefore about much more than the timely arrival of a vessel. They are fundamental to effective supply chain planning, inventory control, production continuity and customer service.

In an increasingly interconnected global trading environment, businesses need logistics partners capable of providing visibility, proactive communication and effective contingency planning when shipping schedules change.

Keeping supply chains moving

At U-Freight, we recognise that dependable logistics solutions are essential to helping customers manage the uncertainties of international transportation.

Although shipping line schedules and port operations are subject to factors beyond the control of individual logistics providers, effective freight management, shipment visibility and close coordination across the supply chain can help businesses minimise the impact of disruption.

By working closely with customers and our global network, U-Freight aims to provide responsive, flexible and integrated logistics solutions that help keep cargo moving and support the continuity of international trade.

The latest industry figures serve as a timely reminder that schedule reliability is not simply a shipping performance statistic. It is a key ingredient in building efficient, resilient and cost-effective supply chains.

For expert advice or assistance with planning your future container shipments, please contact your local U-Freight office or visit the ocean freight section of this website.