The global shipping landscape for household goods is more stable than in recent years yet remains far from predictable. As we move through 2026, geopolitical risk, port congestion, sustainability expectations, and rapid digitalisation continue to shape relocation outcomes. The bottom line for mobility teams: flexibility remains essential.
What’s shaping household goods moves right now?
Greater stability, ongoing volatility
Freight rates have largely stabilised, but tariffs, trade policy shifts, and geopolitical events continue to affect routing and reliability. Ongoing diversions around the Suez Canal and congestion at key Asian and European ports are still extending transit times.
Port congestion hasn’t gone away
S&P Global’s Q2 2025 analysis showed declining port efficiency globally, particularly in Northern Europe and Northeast Asia. Longer container docking times continue to delay both outbound and inbound household goods shipments.
Digitalisation is raising assignee expectations.
Real-time shipment tracking, digital inventories, and AI-enabled logistics planning are becoming standard across the moving industry. Assignees increasingly expect full visibility throughout the move—and mobility programmes benefit from reduced stress and higher satisfaction when digital tools are in place.
Sustainability is now a baseline expectations
From biodegradable packing materials to low-emission fleets and carbon-offset options, sustainable moving practices are no longer ‘nice to have'. They are increasingly expected by relocating employees and closely aligned with corporate ESG goals.
Geopolitical and climate disruptions continue
Red Sea security concerns are adding 10–15 days to some Asia–Europe routes, while climate-related constraints—such as potential Panama Canal bottlenecks—are affecting scheduling. Shifting tariffs between the US, EU, and China continue to influence capacity and costs.
Capacity is growing—but unequally
New containership capacity is entering the market in 2026, but diversions and high air freight demand (driven by e-commerce) are keeping pressure on availability and pricing. Air freight remains a useful option for essential items, but not without cost implications.
At the same time, consolidation within the container shipping industry is reshaping global carrier networks. Hapag-Lloyd has signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire 100% of ZIM’s shares for USD 35 per share, valuing the transaction at over USD 4 billion. The combined carrier will operate more than 400 vessels, exceeding 3 million TEU in capacity and transporting over 18 million TEU annually, strengthening its position as the world’s fifth-largest container shipping company.
Alongside the transaction, a new Israeli container line backed by FIMI Opportunity Funds will operate 16 modern vessels to safeguard Israel’s maritime connectivity while retaining the ZIM brand and the obligations of the golden share.
What does this mean for global mobility programmes?
Expect unpredictability in delivery timelines—avoid guaranteeing specific arrival dates
Build flexibility into policies, including temporary housing and contingency budgets
Select digitally enabled moving partners to improve visibility and employee experience
Communicate early and often to manage expectations and reduce assignee stress
In today’s environment, proactive planning and clear communication remain the strongest tools for delivering a successful relocation experience.
CH Robinson
S&P Global
GMS Mobility