Hapag-Lloyd has announced the implementation of a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for all cargo moving from the Far East to the West Coast of South America, East Coast of South America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. This new surcharge will become effective on June 15, 2026, and will remain in place until further notice. Additionally, for shipments specifically destined for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, the surcharge will also commence on the same date.
For freight forwarders and shippers, this PSS translates directly into higher shipping costs for goods transported on these specific trade routes. Operations managers will need to factor this additional charge into their budgeting and pricing for clients, potentially impacting the competitiveness of their services. The imposition of a PSS often indicates an expectation of increased demand or constrained capacity during a particular period, suggesting that space on these vessels may become tighter or more expensive.
