When do international shipping surcharges increase during peak season? How should importers respond?
What Are International Shipping Surcharges?
Shipping surcharges are additional fees added by carriers, shipping lines, airlines on top of the base freight rate.
These charges usually appear when demand exceeds capacity, fuel prices rise, ports become congested, or operational risks increase.
International shipping costs are rarely stable throughout the year. For importers, one of the biggest challenges is dealing with peak season surcharges (PSS), emergency rate increases (GRI), port congestion fees, and other additional charges that can quickly raise total logistics costs.
When Do International Shipping Surcharges Increase?
Peak seasons vary by region and industry but generally align with major holidays, retail events, and seasonal demand spikes. The most common peak seasons for international shipping include:
1. Pre-holiday periods
Q4 (October to December) for Western markets (Christmas) and Q1 (Chinese factories will be on long holidays for Chinese New Year).
2. Retail events
Months leading up to large-scale promotions (e.g., Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday).
3. Seasonal demand surges
For example, back-to-school supplies in August-September or winter clothing imports in Q3.
The typical timeline:
July to Early August: Carriers announce General Rate Increases (GRI) and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS). Actual rates start creeping up.
Late August to September: The steepest increases hit. PSS can add 20%-50% to base ocean freight rates.
October: Rates often reach their annual high, driven by last-minute holiday stock orders.
November to December: A slight dip may occur after Halloween, but surcharges stay elevated due to pre-Chinese New Year rush.
January to Early February: A second surge happens as importers rush to move cargo before Asian factories close for the holidays.
Overall, it's advisable to prepare for price increases starting in May each year.
During these periods, surcharges such as Peak Season Surcharges (PSS), Destination Congestion Surcharges (DCS), and Emergency Bunker Surcharges (EBS) may rise due to:
Port congestion: High throughput exceeding port capacity leads to delays and equipment shortages.
Container shortage: Supply-demand imbalance increases leasing costs.
Labor shortage: Ports and warehouses struggle to meet demand, leading to increased overtime pay.
Fuel price volatility: Sudden increases in fuel prices trigger fuel surcharges. This is a key reason for the freight rate increase in May 2026.
How Should Importers Respond?
You can’t stop peak season, but you can outmaneuver it.
1. Shift your shipping calendar
Maintaining open communication channels with suppliers helps importers coordinate cargo transportation more effectively. So get ahead of it:
Order summer holiday stock by April (shipped May–June).
Order Christmas stock by July (shipped August at the latest).
Factory is closed for Chinese New Year: Orders can be placed for shipment in mid-December.
(The above suggestions are for reference only; actual decisions should be based on your inventory and sales plans.)
2. Diversify ports and routes
If you are importing multiple containers at once, try negotiating with your freight forwarder to avoid shipping all containers through the same port.
US importers: If the ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach are congested, consider shipping via Seattle, Oakland, or even Houston. Alternatively, use East Coast ports such as Savannah or Charleston via the Suez Canal or Panama Canal, although this will take longer.
European importers: If the port of Rotterdam is congested, try Hamburg, Antwerp, or Gdansk.
3. Partnering with reliable freight forwarders
Generally, large-volume shippers like Walmart directly charter vessels with shipping companies to obtain contracted rates. However, smaller companies, unable to match the volume of these giants, book space through freight forwarders. Qualified freight forwarders with a certain cargo volume will sign contracts with shipping companies to lock in freight rates for a specified period. Therefore, cooperating with a reliable freight forwarder will ensure relatively stable freight rates.
Senghor Logistics partners with well-known shipping companies such as CMA CGM, ONE, HPL, and MSC, directly booking space with them to obtain first-hand freight rates. Based on our over 10 years of experience, if shipping companies raise prices during peak seasons, we will notify clients in advance to expedite shipment, and surcharges will also be explained.
4. Other shipping methods
Alternative options can also be explored: air freight could be considered, and European importers could increase railway shipping options to reduce reliance on congested sea freight routes.
By understanding when surcharges typically rise and taking proactive measures, importers can effectively manage your logistical needs and minimize costs. As the global trade landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be key to success in international import and export.
We welcome discussions about your shipping plans with Senghor Logistics, and we will provide you with current information for reference.
Post time: May-28-2026
