Maersk has announced a new Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) of $8,000 per container for non-Spot market bookings originating from the Middle East and South Asia destined for the US West Coast and Canada. This additional charge will be applied to all dry and reefer cargo, taking effect from September 21, 2026, under Maersk's established tariffs.
For freight forwarders and shippers, this surcharge represents a substantial increase in transportation costs, particularly for those operating on contract rates rather than the Spot market. This could lead to higher overall logistics expenses and potentially impact supply chain budgeting for goods moving on these specific trade lanes. Forwarders will need to communicate these increased costs to their clients and adjust pricing strategies accordingly. Capacity may also become tighter as carriers seek to maximize revenue from the increased rates.
