As the global logistics industry faces mounting pressure, French shipping giant CMA CGM has announced it will introduce a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for its China-Kenya route effective May 20, 2025. This move is expected to directly impact shippers and freight forwarders, forcing them to reassess logistics costs and transportation strategies.
Key Details: The surcharge will apply to dry cargo shipments from China to Mombasa, Kenya. Rates will be $150 per TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) for shipments originating from central and southern China, including Hong Kong and Macau, while goods from northern China will face a higher charge of $200 per TEU.
Industry analysts note that rising operational costs have become an unavoidable reality for major carriers as shipping markets grow increasingly congested. This policy implementation will drive freight rates even higher, potentially resulting in additional expenses for cargo owners.
Carrier's Rationale and Recommendations
CMA CGM emphasized that the surcharge applies exclusively to dry cargo and is designed to manage peak season operational pressures while maintaining service efficiency. The company has advised clients to factor this additional cost into their transportation planning to ensure accurate budgeting and logistics arrangements.
"In today's volatile shipping environment, customers who proactively adapt to market changes and adjust strategies will gain competitive advantage," stated a company representative. The carrier suggests that effective cost planning and transparent pricing mechanisms may offer the best approach to navigating future logistics challenges.
The announcement comes as global supply chains continue experiencing disruptions, with carriers implementing various surcharges to offset rising fuel costs, port congestion, and equipment shortages. Observers anticipate other major shipping lines may follow suit with similar peak season adjustments on African trade lanes.