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    Up to $750! Several Carriers Announced 2025 Peak Season Surcharges

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    YQN Team
    ·April 6, 2025
    ·4 min read
    Breakdown of Surcharges by Carrier and Trade Route
    Image Source: pexels

    Several carriers, including Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM, have introduced peak season surcharge (pss) rates for 2025. These surcharges aim to address heightened demand during peak shipping periods.

    For instance, carriers calculate surcharges using a peaking factor, reflecting demand spikes. Rates for 40' containers reach up to $750, effective as early as April 1, 2025.

    Maersk: PSS for Far East Asia to Middle East

    On April 3rd, Maersk issued a notice to revise the peak season surcharge (PSS) for all dry containers Far East Asia to the Middle East and South Asia, effective April 15, 2025. The rates apply uniformly across various container types and origins, as shown below:

    Source: Maersk Official Website

    More information is available at info@yqn.com.

    Hapag-Lloyd: Mediterranean to USA, Canada, and Mexico

    Hapag-Lloyd has introduced peak seasonal surcharges for shipments originating from the Mediterranean and destined for the USA, Canada, and Mexico. These surcharges aim to address increased operational costs during high-demand periods. The rates vary by container type:

    Container Type

    Surcharge (USD)

    20' Container

    550

    40' Container

    750

    This Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) applies to all containers gated in from April 5, 2025, until further notice.

    Source: Hapag-Lloyd Official Website

    MSC: West Mediterranean and Adriatic to North America and the Caribbean

    MSC has implemented a peak seasonal surcharge for shipments from the West Mediterranean and Adriatic regions to North America and the Caribbean. The surcharge rates are set at $500 for 20’ containers and $700 for 40’ containers. These adjustments, effective from April 1, 2025, aim to address strong demand on these routes.

    MSC's decision highlights the growing pressure on shipping lanes connecting Europe to the Americas during peak seasons.

    CMA CGM: Pakistan to USEC, USGC, and Inland Destinations

    CMA CGM has introduced peak seasonal surcharges for shipments originating in Pakistan and heading to the United States East Coast (USEC), Gulf Coast (USGC), and inland destinations. These surcharges reflect the carrier's efforts to manage port congestion and ensure timely deliveries during peak demand periods.

    The implementation of these surcharges across multiple carriers underscores the importance of planning ahead. Businesses should evaluate their shipping strategies to mitigate the financial impact of these adjustments.

    Increased Demand During Peak Season

    The surge in demand during peak shipping seasons significantly impacts global trade routes. Carriers often face increased operational challenges, including higher container volumes and port congestion. These factors necessitate the implementation of a peak season surcharge to ensure service reliability and manage capacity effectively.

    Recent statistical trends highlight the growing demand for shipping services during peak periods:

    • Ocean freight container spot rates from the Far East to North Europe rose by 30%, reaching $4,343 per FEU, a 198% year-over-year increase.

    • Rates from the Far East to the US West Coast climbed by 29%, hitting $4,468 per FEU, a 214% rise compared to the previous year.

    • The first quarter of 2024 recorded a 9.2% increase in shipping demand compared to Q1 2023.

    Conclusion

    The announced peak season surcharges, reaching up to $750 for 40' containers, will take effect starting April 1, 2025. Businesses must stay informed and plan ahead to reduce financial impacts. More information is available at info@yqn.com.

    FAQ

    What is a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)?

    A Peak Season Surcharge is an additional fee carriers impose during high-demand periods to manage operational costs and maintain service quality.

    How can businesses reduce the impact of surcharges?

    Businesses can optimize shipping schedules, negotiate with carriers, and use advanced analytics to identify cost-saving opportunities.

    When do the 2025 surcharges take effect?

    The announced surcharges will begin as early as April 1, 2025, depending on the carrier and trade route.

    See Also

    Freight Trends in China's Market for March 2025

    Impact of U.S. Port Charges on Chinese Shipping Industry

    Exclusive Insights from Intermodal South America 2025 Event

    Best Chinese Sea Freight Logistics Companies for 2025

    Guide to Container Shipping from Singapore to USA 2025

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