Trans-Pacific contract rates slip from peak but still historic Xeneta: Asia-West Coast contract rates still up 33% year on year ONE container ship in Oakland (Photo: Shutterstock/Sheila Fitzgerald) Finally, a bit of good news — or at least, less-bad news — for beleaguered U.S. importers. The latest data shows a moderate retreat in the year-on-year increase in long-term contract rates. Norway-based Xeneta collects long-term contract rate data, using millions of inputs per month from shippers and non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs). “Now, you can see a few minuses,” said Xeneta CEO Patrik Berglund during a market update on Tuesday, referring to contract-rate evolution in some trade lanes over the past three months.