CMA CGM, a major global container shipping line, has announced a significant increase in its Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for cargo originating from the Asia Pacific region and India destined for the United States. Effective October 1, the PSS will be set at $4,000 per 40-foot equivalent unit (FEU) for shipments to both the US East and West Coasts. This new rate marks a substantial rise compared to the carrier's previous PSS, which was $2,500 per 40-foot container for routes such as Shanghai to Los Angeles.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this rate adjustment indicates a notable increase in shipping costs for transpacific and Asia-US trade lanes. Shippers should anticipate higher expenses for bookings made for October and beyond. The timing suggests a strategic move by the carrier to capitalize on anticipated demand or manage capacity during a potentially busy period. This could lead to a scramble for space and further upward pressure on spot rates, requiring forwarders to communicate these changes promptly to their clients and potentially explore alternative routing or booking strategies.
