Freight Rate Fluctuations: Maersk Applies Peak Season Surcharge on Multiple Shipping Routes

The global ocean freight market is seeing new adjustments in freight rate levels as many shipping lines begin implementing Peak Season Surcharges (PSS). Notably, Maersk has recently announced new surcharge levels effective from March and April 2026 on several key trade routes connecting Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America.

This move reflects a broader trend of freight rate adjustments aimed at balancing shipping supply and demand as cargo volumes show signs of increasing on several strategic trade lanes.

1.Far East Asia – East Africa Route Applies New Surcharge

According to Maersk’s announcement, shipments transported from the Far East Asia region to East Africa, particularly ports in Tanzania and Kenya, will be subject to new PSS levels from late March 2026.

Specifically, the surcharge will apply to shipments bound for Dar es Salaam and the Kenyan market, effective from March 23, 2026 (for cargo originating from Vietnam, the surcharge will take effect from March 24, 2026).

The surcharge ranges from approximately USD 300–350 per 20’ container and USD 300 per 40’ container for shipments from Southeast Asia to Dar es Salaam. Meanwhile, cargo from China and Hong Kong may face surcharges of up to USD 200 per 20’ container and USD 400 per 40’ container. Shipments to Kenya record higher surcharge levels, reaching up to USD 500 per 20’ container and USD 800 per 40’ container.

2.Asia – South Africa and Indian Ocean Routes See Significant Surcharge Increases

In addition to East Africa, shipping routes from Far East Asia to South Africa and several Indian Ocean islands will also implement new peak season surcharges.

Destinations include Mozambique, Madagascar, Seychelles, and multiple markets in South Africa.

The new PSS may reach up to USD 1,000 per 20’ container and USD 2,000 per 40’ container, indicating that cargo demand in these regions is increasing significantly compared to previous periods.

3.North Europe – North America Route Also Adjusted

Not only Asia–Africa routes, Maersk is also implementing peak season surcharges on shipments from Northern and Central Europe to North America.

According to the plan, the surcharge will take effect on April 8, 2026 for shipments exported to the United States and Canada, at a level of USD 500 per container.

This is one of the key trade lanes in the transatlantic shipping market, where cargo demand between Europe and North America often increases during certain peak periods of the year.

4.Europe – Mexico Route Adds New Surcharge

Another shipping route that is recording surcharge adjustments is the route from Europe and the Mediterranean region to Mexico.

Accordingly, the PSS will take effect from April 1, 2026 with a standard level of USD 250 per 20’ container and USD 500 per 40’ or 45’ container.

For cargo originating from Syria, the surcharge will be applied in EUR, equivalent to EUR 220 per 20’ container and EUR 435 per 40’ or 45’ container.

5.Businesses Need to Closely Monitor Freight Rate Fluctuations

In addition to applying new surcharge levels, Maersk also noted that PSS charges only apply to non-SPOT bookings and are calculated based on the Price Calculation Date (PCD). Depending on the specific shipment and shipping conditions, local charges or other additional surcharges may still apply.

According to assessments from the logistics market, peak season surcharge adjustments are commonly used by shipping lines to balance transport capacity and market demand during peak periods.

From the perspective of logistics businesses, closely monitoring freight rate fluctuations and international shipping surcharges plays an important role in optimizing supply chain costs, particularly for import–export companies with large cargo volumes.

CONCLUSION

Adjustments in surcharges from shipping lines indicate that the ocean freight market continues to fluctuate across different trade routes.

In this context, import–export businesses need to proactively update information on freight rates and surcharges to develop suitable shipping plans. At the same time, close coordination with logistics providers can help optimize sailing schedules, select efficient transport routes, and control transportation costs.

Cooperating with experienced freight forwarding companies in international transport management also enables businesses to remain more flexible in responding to fluctuations in the global ocean freight market.