What is a GRI in shipping?

A general rate increase: a shipping line's announced increase to its tariff rates on a trade, stated per container and effective from a set date.

How much notice does a carrier have to give for a GRI?

On US trades, at least 30 calendar days after it is published in the carrier's tariff, under FMC rules. A rate decrease can take effect on publication.

Does a GRI apply to my contract rate?

Only if the contract lets it. ONE's 2026 India GRI applied to its rate agreements and service contracts unless they specifically exempted it — read your contract's terms.

Term

General rate increase (GRI)

A general rate increase (GRI) is a shipping line's announced rise in its tariff rates on a trade, per container, from a set date. On US trades it cannot take effect until 30 days after publication. ONE's GRI from the US to India in September 2026 added up to USD 850 per 40ft.

Also called GRI, GRI shipping, rate increase announcement, ocean freight rate increaseUpdated 13 October 2026

What a GRI is

The European Commission, investigating container lines in 2016, described these announcements as stating the amount of an intended increase in US dollars per container, the trade route and the planned date — known in the industry as general rate increase announcements. A GRI raises the tariff rate; contract rates move with it only if the contract says so.

The US 30-day rule

Under the Federal Maritime Commission's tariff rules, no new or changed rate that increases a shipper's cost may take effect earlier than 30 calendar days after publication; a decrease may take effect on publication (46 CFR 520.8).

Worked example: ONE, USA to India, September 2026

From	To	Per 20ft	Per 40ft or 45ft
US Pacific and Gulf ports, Vancouver	All India ports	USD 160	USD 200
US Atlantic ports, Halifax	Nhava Sheva and Mundra	USD 680	USD 850

ONE notice dated 4 August 2026, effective 5 September 2026 — 32 days later

10 × 40ft from New York to Nhava Sheva after 5 September 2026: 10 × USD 850 = USD 8,500 more than before, unless a contract fixes the rate

ONE's notice applies the GRI to its rate filing agreements and service contracts unless they specifically exempt it.

The mistake people make

Reading a GRI as the new price. The European Commission found that GRI announcements give only an intended increase, with no committal value — the total price may remain unknown — which is why it obtained commitments from carriers in 2016 to publish full prices instead. Ask for the all-in rate on the date you ship.

FAQ