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Ocean Carriers Announce Fresh Peak Season Surcharges Ahead of Summer Rush

Major container lines are imposing new peak season surcharges as freight demand accelerates into the second half of 2026. Maersk rolled out charges of $750 per teu on Far East Asia-North Europe and Mediterranean routes starting July 7, with a steeper $1,800 per teu PSS to Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Islands from July 1. The carrier also levied a $1,000 per 40ft surcharge on Far East Asia-Middle East lanes effective the same date. CMA CGM followed with multiple charges on China-West Africa services beginning June 21, ranging from $350-$850 per teu. The French line also imposed $400-$500 per teu on China-East Africa corridors. CMA CGM concurrently updated freight-all-kinds rates from the Indian Subcontinent to major gateways, pricing North Europe and Mediterranean routes at $5,000 per teu. Hapag-Lloyd announced general rate increases of $2,100 per teu on Indian Subcontinent and Middle East services to North America's west coast. James Hookham, director of the Global Shippers Forum, said surcharges "continue to be the scourge of shippers' lives," adding that shippers "don't want surcharges, they want solutions."