Maersk Updates PSS for Mediterranean–North America Trade

Maersk has announced a new Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for cargo moving from the Mediterranean region to the US and Canada, effective 7 October 2026 and applicable until further notice.

West Mediterranean: USD 250/container PSS

For cargo originating in the West Mediterranean and destined for the US and Canada, Maersk will apply a PSS of USD 250 per container.

The surcharge applies to 20ft, 40ft and 45ft high-cube dry containers, as well as 40ft reefer containers.

The origin ports covered include countries across Southwestern and South-Central Europe, as well as selected countries in North Africa and Southeastern Europe, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Algeria, Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Morocco, Malta, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia and Tunisia.

East Mediterranean: Rates Vary by Country

For cargo originating in the East Mediterranean and destined for the US and Canada, the new PSS will also take effect on 7 October 2026.

The surcharge applies to all dry container types, with rates varying by country of origin:

●    USD 250/container: Bulgaria, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Lebanon, Romania, Türkiye and Ukraine.

●    EUR 220/container: Syria.

How the PSS Effective Date Is Determined

Maersk applies different rules for determining the applicable pricing date depending on the type of booking and whether the shipment falls within the scope of the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).

Non-SPOT Bookings

●    Cargo outside the scope of the FMC: The PSS is determined based on the Price Calculation Date, which is linked to the scheduled departure date of the first water leg shown on the booking confirmation.

●    Cargo within the scope of the FMC: The applicable date is determined by the final container gate-in date, when the last container is gated into the terminal.

SPOT Bookings

For SPOT bookings, the PSS is determined based on the first vessel’s estimated departure date at the time the booking is confirmed.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Container News)

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