Global Freight Update: October 2026 
October opens with two pressures for Australian shippers: diesel still near its highs, and Golden Week closing factories across China until 7 October.
⛽ Fuel at home
Terminal gate diesel sat between $2.63 and $2.67 per litre across the eastern capitals on 30 September, with Perth at $2.57. That is off the peak of $2.75 in the week to 23 September but still well above early September levels, with the Middle East conflict keeping refined diesel benchmarks high. The Fair Work Commission has declined to switch its fuel cost recovery obligations back on, so for now recovery runs on whatever your transport contracts say.
🚢 The Australia lane
Shanghai to Australia spot rates were around US$2,432 per TEU in early September and climbing into the pre-Golden Week rush. Carriers have pulled capacity on the trade through suspended services and blank sailings, and some rotations into Sydney and Fremantle are running well behind schedule. Space either side of Golden Week is the tightest of the quarter. Bookings restart from 8 October and the fortnight after fills fast.
🌏 The wider market
Drewry’s World Container Index eased 1 per cent to US$4,468 per 40ft on 24 September. The Transpacific stayed firm at US$7,838 Shanghai to Los Angeles while Asia to Europe kept sliding, down 4 per cent to US$3,485 into Rotterdam. Air freight averaged US$3.13 per kg globally in August, 24 per cent above last year and easing slowly, with demand into Australia up 7 per cent.
📦 What this means
✔️ Lock post-Golden Week sailings this week. November shelf dates depend on the 8 to 20 October window.
✔️ Check your fuel levies both ways. They should reflect the September spike and ease as terminal gate prices come off the peak.
✔️ With FWC obligations dormant, fuel recovery is a contract question. Know your terms.
✔️ Build buffer into November delivery promises where your service is running behind rotation.
At Bluestar Global Logistics (BGL), we’re helping customers hold space on the Australia trade and manage fuel exposure through peak season.
📧 sales@bluestarglobal.com.au