ports

Carriers Deploy Peak Surcharges as Shippers Rush to Beat Rate Hikes

Ocean freight forwarders are bracing for sharper rate increases on major trade lanes as carriers capitalize on tight capacity and surging demand. Carriers are now enforcing peak season surcharges on long-term contract shipments, leaving shippers with few alternatives if they want cargo loaded. The Shanghai-Rotterdam route climbed 3% week-on-week to $2,861 per 40-foot container, while Shanghai-Genoa jumped 4% to $4,253 per 40-foot. Industry sources attribute the June demand spike to large shippers accelerating orders ahead of July 1, when carriers will implement significantly higher bunker adjustment factors following the Hormuz closure. Shippers holding long-term contracts have been sheltered from recent emergency fuel surcharges, but that protection expires next month. Forwarders expect additional rate pressure in coming weeks as the current tight market environment persists.