General Rate Increase (GRI)

Bill Lin
Bill Lin
CTO · Chrislion International Logistics
Last updated: Aug 24, 2026
Rates & Surcharges

What Is a GRI (General Rate Increase)?

A General Rate Increase (GRI) is a price increase that a shipping company announces for its base ocean freight rates. It is usually announced as a fixed dollar amount per container and takes effect on a set date.

Carriers quote the increase per TEU (20-foot) and per FEU (40-foot). A typical notice reads: “$600 per FEU, effective October 1.” The increase applies to the base freight rate; surcharges such as BAF and PSS are added on top.

Most GRIs take effect on the 1st or 15th of a month and apply across most trade lanes at once, including the Transpacific, Asia–Europe and Transatlantic routes.

Need Help Pricing Around a GRI?

Send us your cargo details and destination — we’ll lock your rate before the next GRI window and break down every charge line by line.

Get Quote

Ship Smart, Never Blind

From rate locking to surcharge breakdowns, we keep your freight costs predictable — so a GRI notice never catches you off guard.

Get a Free Quote