A new cost pressure is taking effect on the North Europe–U.S. container trade. Hapag-Lloyd has announced a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) of USD 500 per TEU for all container types on sailings from North Europe to the United States beginning August 10, 2026. The surcharge applies to Dry, Reefer and Special containers and will remain in effect until further notice. Hapag-Lloyd says the measure follows a further intensification of the peak season on the trade.
For shippers moving cargo across the North Atlantic, the announcement puts a clearly defined additional cost into the freight equation during the peak-season period. The $500/TEU PSS is separate from Ocean Tariff rates, bunker-related surcharges, security-related surcharges and Terminal Handling Charges, all of which remain subject to their previously announced terms. Local and contingency charges may also apply, according to Hapag-Lloyd.
The change highlights how peak-season conditions can directly affect the cost structure of international container transportation. For businesses planning North Europe–U.S. shipments, monitoring carrier surcharges alongside base ocean freight rates becomes particularly important when evaluating transportation costs and shipment timing. Companies can follow further ocean freight and logistics market updates or review their available freight solutions when planning upcoming international shipments.