Multiple major ocean carriers have announced new Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) this month, layering additional cost on top of already-elevated base rates during the traditional July-through-September demand window.
What PSS Actually Is
Unlike fuel-linked surcharges (BAF) or currency-linked charges (CAF), PSS is a demand-based surcharge — carriers add it specifically during periods when shipper demand for space outstrips available capacity, and remove or reduce it once demand eases.
Why It's Hitting Harder This Year
- Early front-loading ahead of anticipated tariff and policy changes has concentrated demand into a shorter window
- Equipment shortages have compounded the space crunch that PSS is designed to price for
- Multiple carriers have announced PSS increases within weeks of each other, reducing the ability to shop around for a carrier without the surcharge
How to Plan Around It
PSS tends to ease once peak season volume normalizes, typically by late Q3 or early Q4. For non-urgent freight, shippers with flexibility on ship date may benefit from waiting out the peak surcharge window where their inventory position allows it.
PSS isn't a permanent rate increase — it's a temporary premium for shipping when everyone else is also trying to ship. Timing flexibility is the main lever shippers have against it.