International shipping congestion at ports in Europe and Latin America continues to worsen. The CEO of Hapag-Lloyd noted that labor disputes in Rotterdam and Antwerp are causing delays, while strong performance in the Brazilian market is exacerbating congestion at South American ports. Cargo owners and freight forwarders need to be aware of this trend and actively plan their logistics strategies.
This article provides a detailed interpretation of common surcharge abbreviations in the logistics field, including fuel surcharges, port and route surcharges, and special circumstances surcharges. It aims to help businesses understand the composition of these fees, optimize logistics plans, avoid unnecessary cost expenditures, and enhance overall competitiveness. Understanding these surcharges is crucial for effective cost management and strategic decision-making within the supply chain.
Global shipping markets face sharp shifts this July, with European route rates hitting record highs due to capacity reallocation and port congestion, while US West Coast rates drop amid oversupply and weak demand. Carriers' pricing updates confirm this divergence, urging shippers and forwarders to monitor trends closely for upcoming volatility.
The Low Sulfur Surcharge (LSS) has been implemented since 2015 to reduce sulfur emissions in the shipping industry. The fee varies between ports and companies, ranging from $15 to $25 per TEU.
With the accelerated implementation of the export tax rebate policy, many international shipping companies are reducing shipping surcharges, expecting to relieve burdens on national export enterprises by over 200 million yuan annually. This series of measures to standardize fees will effectively address the issue of high surcharges faced by companies in the shipping sector. The government places great importance on the burdens faced by foreign trade enterprises, aiming to promote stable growth in foreign trade through lower fees, helping businesses to meet challenges and create a more transparent and fair trading environment.
The severe congestion at Lagos Port has resulted in over 4,000 containers being delayed, prompting industry calls for customs auctions. High clearance fees and dock charges are forcing importers to abandon their goods, creating a vicious cycle. The government urgently needs to implement effective measures to improve the port's condition to avoid economic losses and prevent goods from spoiling.
In August and September, a large influx of containers from Asia is expected to flood Nordic ports, leading to severe congestion. Strong import demand will continue to drive shipping volume growth, increasing pressure on operational timelines. Ports and shipping companies need to proactively respond and adjust their strategies to mitigate this challenge.
The LSS (Low Sulfur Surcharge) was introduced in 2015 due to international environmental regulations mandating vessels to reduce emissions in specific areas. The increased cost of using low sulfur fuel has led shipping companies to implement this new fee. Different freight forwarders may quote LSS fees differently, so shippers should clarify this when requesting quotes. Additionally, the LSS surcharge is generally considered part of the ocean freight costs, with varying responsibilities for shippers depending on the terms of the contract.
CMA CGM Group announced that starting May 20, 2025, it will implement a peak season surcharge on the China-Kenya route. The surcharge will be $150 per TEU for the central and southern regions, and $200 per TEU for the northern region. This measure is aimed at addressing rising operating costs, prompting shippers to reasonably adjust their logistics costs and transportation plans.
Inland Container Depots (ICDs) are crucial transit nodes in global logistics networks, providing storage, customs clearance, and other services for importers, exporters, and logistics service providers. The advantages of ICDs include alleviating port congestion and making efficient use of resources. Their operational processes encompass container arrival, registration, storage, customs clearance, and dispatch, with costs varying based on location and service specifics.
