Why is LCL shipping so expensive?

There are many reasons for the high cost of LCL shipping, which not only involves transportation costs but also is influenced by various factors. The following are some factors that may lead to high costs of LCL shipping:
Fuel price fluctuations: LCL shipping relies on large cargo ships for cargo transportation, and the fuel costs of these ships account for a considerable proportion of the entire transportation cost. The fluctuation of fuel prices will directly affect the cost of LCL shipping, and when fuel prices rise, transportation costs will also increase accordingly.
Insufficient capacity: There is a global problem of insufficient cargo ship capacity. Especially on some busy routes, there is a shortage of cargo ships, which has led to shipping companies raising prices to meet market demand.
Container shortage: Containers are the basic unit for LCL shipping, and there is a shortage of containers worldwide. Especially during the high volume trading season, insufficient supply of containers can lead to an increase in LCL transportation prices.
Route and port costs: The transportation costs between different routes and ports may vary. The cost of some busy ports may be higher, while the transportation cost of some remote ports may also increase.
Tariffs and import restrictions: Different countries have different tariff policies and import restrictions, which can have an impact on the price of LCL shipping. Some trade barriers may result in additional costs, making LCL transportation more expensive.
Currency exchange rate fluctuations: Currency exchange rate fluctuations will have a direct impact on the cost of LCL shipping. When the domestic currency depreciates, the importer needs to pay more local currency to cover the cost of LCL transportation.
Safety and insurance costs: Due to the certain risks associated with maritime transportation, shipping companies need to purchase insurance to cope with potential accidents. These insurance costs will also be included in the total cost of LCL shipping.