Maersk to Introduce Peak Season Surcharge from Far East Asia to Canada and the U.S.

The latest surcharge may increase freight costs for importers shipping from Asia during the summer season.

Maersk is introducing a new Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on ocean shipments from Far East Asia to Canada and the U.S., effective June 17, 2026, and until further notice.

The surcharge applies to cargo moving from Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam, and Russia to Canadian and U.S. destinations.

This announcement follows a series of carrier surcharge adjustments affecting shipments to North America. In April, several new shipping surcharges came into effect across major trade lanes.

New peak season surcharge rates

The new peak season surcharge (PSS) rates are:

• USD 1,000 per 20-foot container
• USD 2,000 per 40-foot and 45-foot container

For non-SPOT bookings, Maersk states that the surcharge will be based on the Price Calculation Date (PCD):

• For non-FMC shipments, the PCD refers to the scheduled departure date of the first water leg at the time of booking confirmation.
• For FMC-regulated shipments, the PCD is the last container gate-in date for non-spot bookings.

The charge will be collected according to the freight paid location and may be subject to other applicable surcharges, including local and contingency charges.

Recent Maersk surcharge announcements

This PSS is the latest in a series of surcharge announcements by Maersk for cargo destined for Canada and the U.S. in 2026:

• Maersk introduced a temporary Emergency Bunker Surcharge to address fuel availability, cost, and mix pressures. The surcharge applied globally from March 25, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, and for FMC-regulated shipments from April 9, 2026.
• Maersk introduced a Peak Season Surcharge of USD 500 per container for shipments from Northern and Central European countries to Canada and the U.S., effective April 8, 2026.
• Maersk introduced a USD 100 per container add-on Emergency Intermodal Fuel Surcharge for applicable import shipments moving through inland rail ramps or container yards in Canada and the U.S., effective April 18, 2026. The charge will increase to USD 200 per dry container and USD 250 per reefer unit as of June 1, 2026.

How we can help

At Cole International, we offer trade consulting and freight forwarding services to help Canadian businesses navigate changing freight costs and help mitigate their impact on supply chains.

Reach out to one of our trade professionals to discuss your shipping strategy and how to keep your freight moving.