Maersk is implementing a new Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for dry container shipments traveling from specific countries in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean to the United States.
Taking effect on April 16, 2026, the PSS applies directly to cargo originating from Bulgaria, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Lebanon, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine.
The ocean carrier will apply a flat rate of USD 500 per container. This fee covers all standard dry equipment, including 20 foot and 40 foot boxes, as well as 45 foot high cube units. The surcharge is applied on a per container basis and will be collected according to the shipment’s freight paid terms.
Maersk explicitly noted that this PSS only targets non spot bookings. Spot bookings remain completely exempt from this specific surcharge.
For applicable shipments, the rate is locked in based on the Price Calculation Date (PCD). This date varies depending on the regulatory environment:
- FMC Regulated Shipments: The PCD matches the last container gate in date.
- Non FMC Regulated Shipments: The PCD is the scheduled departure date of the first ocean leg at the time of booking confirmation.
As with all major rate adjustments, this surcharge remains subject to applicable regulatory requirements, including those dictated by the US Shipping Act.
Shippers should also account for the fact that additional local and contingency charges may still apply depending on the specific origin and destination of the freight.