Maersk has announced the introduction of Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) on multiple trade lanes as part of its efforts to maintain service reliability during periods of increased demand.
The first surcharge applies to shipments from Turkey to the East Coast of South America, effective from May 1, 2026, until further notice. The measure covers all 20-foot dry containers, as well as 40-foot and 45-foot high cube dry containers.
Under the new structure, a surcharge of USD 200 per container will apply to 20-foot units, while 40-foot and 45-foot high cube containers will be subject to a surcharge of USD 50 per container.
The origin scope includes all Turkish ports, such as Ambarli, Izmir, Korfezi, Mersin, Iskenderun, Gemlik and Gebze, while the destination scope covers ports across Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
For non-spot bookings, the applicable rate will be determined based on the Price Calculation Date (PCD), defined as the scheduled departure date of the first sea leg at the time of booking confirmation. For spot bookings, the rate will be based on the estimated time of departure of the first vessel at the time of booking confirmation.
In addition, Maersk is introducing a separate Peak Season Surcharge for shipments from Japan and South Korea to Kenya, also effective from May 1, 2026, until further notice.
This surcharge will apply to 40-foot dry containers, 45-foot high cube containers and 40-foot reefer units, with a flat rate of USD 300 per container across all equipment types. Unlike the Turkey–South America trade, the PSS on this route will not apply to spot bookings.
For non-spot bookings, the surcharge will again be based on the Price Calculation Date. In non-FMC trades, this refers to the scheduled departure date of the first sea leg at booking confirmation, while in FMC-regulated trades it is defined as the last container gate-in date.
The surcharge will be collected in line with standard freight payment terms.
The company said the adjustments are intended to support operational efficiency and ensure consistent service levels across its network during the peak shipping season.
