A Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) is an additional charge imposed by ocean carriers or airlines during periods of high shipping demand, typically aligning with major retail cycles or global holiday seasons. It’s applied on top of standard freight rates and is meant to offset the increased operational costs carriers face when vessels, equipment, and space are in short supply.
For shippers, importers, and retailers, the PSS can significantly increase freight costs—especially when shipping from Asia to North America or Europe during peak months like August through October, ahead of back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons.
Why Do Carriers Apply a PSS?
The Peak Season Surcharge helps carriers:
- Offset rising operational and fuel costs
- Balance supply and demand during overbooked sailings
- Improve equipment repositioning costs
- Maintain service levels during a surge in booking volumes
In essence, the PSS is a market-based rate adjustment tool that fluctuates with seasonality and consumer demand.
When Is Peak Season in Shipping?
Peak season typically runs from late summer through early winter (August to December), when retailers stock up on goods ahead of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Christmas holiday period. In some markets, other surges—such as pre-Lunar New Year or back-to-school spikes—also trigger peak season-like conditions.
Carriers introduce PSS when capacity tightens, container equipment becomes limited, or demand outweighs supply. While it’s most common in transpacific eastbound trade lanes, it can apply globally depending on market pressures.
What Does PSS Apply To?
- Ocean freight (FCL and LCL) – Especially Asia to U.S./EU routes
- Air freight during holiday rushes
- Reefer containers – Higher PSS may apply due to limited capacity
- High-demand corridors – e.g., China → U.S. West Coast
- Port-to-port or door-to-door shipments
- All-inclusive or base rate freight contracts – depending on terms
How Much Is a Typical Peak Season Surcharge?
PSS amounts vary by carrier, lane, and market conditions. For example, carriers may impose surcharges like:
- $200–$1,000 per 40-foot container (FEU)
- $100–$600 per 20-foot container (TEU)
- $0.10–$0.50 per kg for air cargo
PSS charges can be fixed for a set period or fluctuate weekly during volatile months. Carriers typically announce them in tariffs or general rate increase (GRI) filings, sometimes with only 15–30 days’ notice.
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