Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) refers to additional fees imposed by shipping lines when ports experience severe congestion or unusually high activity levels. These surcharges compensate carriers for increased operational costs resulting from extended vessel waiting times, additional tugboat fees, and other port-related expenses.
Shipping companies typically pass these costs to cargo owners through PCS fees. The charges vary significantly depending on the port and time period, sometimes even exceeding base freight rates themselves. Logistics cost calculations should always account for potential PCS fees to avoid unexpected financial impacts.
The current PCS rate structure follows this standard: $50 for 20-foot containers (TEUs) and $100 for both 40-foot containers (FEUs) and 40-foot high-cube containers. However, these figures serve only as a reference—actual charges depend on individual carriers' latest announcements.
Important: PCS rates fluctuate frequently based on port conditions. Shippers should verify current charges directly with their carriers before finalizing shipments.
