GRI (General Rate Increase)

What is a GRI?

The GRI is a general rate increase that all ocean carriers may choose to apply. U.S. regulation requires that carriers must announce any GRI at least 30 days in advance. Therefore, U.S. carriers tend to announce a GRI on the 1st of a given month, to take effect the 1st of the following month.

The GRI may vary significantly from month to month. The GRI may also vary between different carriers and trade lanes.

How long does a GRI last?

Even though carriers must announce a GRI 30 days in advance, they are free to lower rates at any time. As a result, freight rates tend to lower from week to week over the course of a given month, and then jump back up in the next month as a new GRI takes effect. At other times, the GRI may hold throughout the month, so it’s not always possible to predict how rates will change.

Subscribe to Flexport’s Freight Market Updates to stay up to date on any applicable GRIs.

Example of GRI Implementation

Carrier’s rate for July: $1000/40’

On July 1, carrier announces August 1 GRI of $500/40’

On August 1, the new rate will be: $1500/40’ ($1000 + $500 GRI)

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Related Help Articles

How Does Flexport Incorporate GRI and PSS?

Why Does My Shipment Need to be Re-quoted?

Related Glossary Terms

PSS (Peak Season Surcharge)