How It Works

Step 1 —

Freight Rate Forecasting

Foristra produces short- and medium-term forecasts of container freight rates across major global trade lanes, including trans-Pacific, Asia–Europe and trans-Atlantic corridors. Forecasts are derived from the systematic analysis of container freight-rate indices, published quotations for exchange-traded freight futures where available, and data obtained from publicly available and professional industry sources, including ocean carriers, freight forwarders and maritime information platforms. Relevant inputs include quotations published by the Singapore Exchange.

Analytical methods include regression analysis, volatility estimation using the coefficient of variation, futures-based forward curve analysis, and probabilistic forecasting with confidence intervals. For lanes without liquid futures markets, inter-lane correlation analysis is applied.

Input data encompasses the principal container freight-rate indices — FBX, WCI and XSI — as well as spot and forward rates from major carriers including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, COSCO, Evergreen and ONE, supplemented by professional maritime information platforms.

Step 2 —

Commodity Price Forecasting

In parallel, Foristra produces price forecasts for the commodity and raw-material categories relevant to each client's business. These forecasts are developed by processing historical price series through the Company's proprietary analytical framework and integrating the results with data from recognized external market sources.

The forecasting methodology draws on statistical and econometric techniques applied within a multi-criteria analytical framework developed and maintained by Foristra.

Step 3 —

Integrated Market Analysis

The freight rate forecast and the commodity price forecast are integrated into a unified analytical model that captures the evolving relationship between transportation costs and the market value of the goods being shipped. From this integrated analysis, Foristra evaluates how changes in the freight-cost component may affect projected margins, competitive positioning and comparative conditions across trade lanes, export markets and procurement periods.

The output is a tailored analytical report comprising forecasts, comparative analysis and probabilistic scenarios relevant to the client-defined analytical questions.