# Conference Freight Rates

*Last updated: 2026-06-23*

> Unlike spot rates, which move daily with market supply and demand, conference freight rates were collectively fixed tariffs applied uniformly by all member carriers of a liner conference on a given trade route.

Unlike spot rates, which move daily with market supply and demand, conference freight rates were collectively fixed tariffs applied uniformly by all member carriers of a liner conference on a given trade route. The system aimed to prevent destructive rate wars among carriers while giving shippers predictable, published prices for long-term contract planning. For freight forwarders this meant cost certainty; for competition authorities it raised persistent concerns about cartel pricing and restricted market access. The dismantling of antitrust exemptions for liner conferences – including the EU's repeal of the block exemption in 2008 – ended formal conference rate-setting in most major shipping markets. Container lines now publish independent tariffs, negotiate individual service contracts, and coordinate operationally through alliances rather than collective pricing.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipping_conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipping_conference)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Conference Freight Rates |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 122 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-23 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipping_conference |

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