Maersk, a global leader in shipping and logistics, has announced an updated Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for shipments heading to the United States and Canada. The revised charges, which will come into effect in November, aim to address the increased demand for container space during peak shipping seasons.
Revised Peak Season Surcharge for Eastern Mediterranean Shipments
Starting November 15, Maersk will implement new surcharge rates for shipments from the Eastern Mediterranean region, including countries such as Bulgaria, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine, to destinations in the United States and Canada.
The new Peak Season Surcharge for all container types (both dry and reefer) will be set at $400 per container. This revision reflects the carrier’s adjustment to meet the logistical challenges brought by the high season.
| Origin | Destination | Container Type | Currency | New Tariff | Charge Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Mediterranean Countries (Bulgaria, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine) | United States and Canada | All dry and reefer containers | USD | $400 | Per Container |
Additional Surcharge for Reefer Containers from Latin America
In addition to the updates for the Eastern Mediterranean, Maersk will also introduce a $1,000 surcharge per reefer container for shipments moving from West Coast South America, Central America Pacific, and Mexico Pacific Coast to North America. This additional surcharge, effective from November 11, covers routes heading to the U.S. East Coast (USEC), U.S. Gulf Coast (GULF), and U.S. West Coast (USWC).
| Origin | Destination |
|---|---|
| West Coast South America | North America (USEC / GULF / USWC) |
| Central America Pacific | North America (USEC / GULF / USWC) |
| Mexico Pacific Coast | North America (USEC / GULF / USWC) |
Why These Surcharges Matter
Peak season surcharges are common in the shipping industry during periods of heightened demand, particularly in the months leading up to the holiday season. These additional fees help carriers manage congestion, rising operational costs, and ensure that shipments can be delivered on time. By adjusting surcharges, Maersk aims to allocate resources more efficiently and accommodate the increased shipping volume that typically comes with the holiday rush.
Shippers and importers should factor these new fees into their logistics planning to avoid unexpected costs during this busy period.