In 2026, export activity is shaped by a volatile ocean-freight market, fuel prices, localized container shortages, and carrier adjustments. On top of the base ocean freight, many companies also pay a range of surcharges that push total logistics costs up significantly.
On key trades such as Asia - US - Europe in particular, carriers have adjusted or introduced additional surcharges in response to market conditions. That makes it essential to stay current so you can budget accurately and avoid unplanned costs. This article rounds up the surcharges that matter most in 2026.
What Are Ocean Freight Surcharges?
A surcharge is an added charge beyond the base freight, collected by the carrier or logistics provider to cover extra costs incurred during transport. Depending on the trade lane, cargo type, and timing, a single shipment can attract several different surcharges.
Why Do Surcharges Change So Often?
Surcharges are typically adjusted based on:
- Fuel price swings.
- Seasonal shipping demand.
- Port congestion.
- Shortages of empty containers.
- Exchange-rate movements.
- International environmental regulations.
- Geopolitics and the global supply chain.
1. BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) - Fuel Surcharge
The BAF offsets the carrier's fuel costs. When oil prices rise, the BAF usually rises with them. It is one of the surcharges with the biggest impact on total shipping cost.
2. LSS (Low Sulphur Surcharge)
The LSS applies because of rules requiring low-sulphur fuel to cut emissions. It has become a standard charge on many international trade lanes.
3. PSS (Peak Season Surcharge)
The PSS applies during peak season, when shipping demand surges. It commonly appears:
- From May to September.
- In the run-up to Christmas.
- Before Lunar New Year.
- During the agricultural export season.
In 2026, many carriers introduced or raised the PSS on the Asia - US trade during peak season.
4. EFS (Emergency Fuel Surcharge)
The EFS is an emergency fuel surcharge, typically applied when:
- Fuel prices spike suddenly.
- An energy crisis occurs.
- Geopolitical shifts drive up vessel operating costs.
Some carriers adjusted the EFS on trans-Pacific routes in 2026.
5. GRI (General Rate Increase)
The GRI is a general increase in freight rates. It is not applied all the time, but when demand rises or vessel supply tightens, carriers may announce a GRI a few weeks before it takes effect.
6. CIC (Container Imbalance Charge)
The CIC arises from container imbalances between regions - for example:
- Regions that export heavily but import little.
- A shortage of empty containers at the port of export.
The charge offsets the cost of repositioning empty containers.
7. THC (Terminal Handling Charge)
The THC is the container handling charge at the terminal. It applies to virtually every FCL shipment and is usually charged separately at both the origin and destination ports.
8. PCS (Port Congestion Surcharge)
The PCS is a port congestion surcharge. When a port is overloaded and vessels must wait longer to load and unload, carriers may apply the PCS to cover the added costs. With supply chains still volatile, the PCS appears more frequently on some international routes.
9. Documentation Fee
This is the fee for processing and issuing documents such as the Bill of Lading, Shipping Instruction, Manifest, and other shipping paperwork. The amount can vary between carriers and forwarders.
10. CFS Fee (Container Freight Station)
For LCL (Less than Container Load) cargo, you may pay consolidation fees, deconsolidation fees, and CFS storage fees. These are charges specific to consolidated shipments.
11. Route-Specific Surcharges
Beyond the common charges, some routes also incur:
- War Risk Surcharge.
- Security Surcharge.
- Heavy Weight Surcharge.
- Equipment Imbalance Surcharge.
- Emergency Operational Surcharge.
These are not applied routinely; they depend on the specific route, carrier, and market conditions.
How to Keep Surcharges Under Control
Ask for an Itemized Quote
Don't just ask, "How much is the freight?" Request a quote that itemizes Ocean Freight, THC, CIC, BAF, PSS, Documentation Fee, Local Charges, and any other surcharges.
Follow Carrier Announcements
Many surcharges are announced only days or weeks before they take effect. Stay updated regularly so you can adjust your shipping plans.
Book Early
Booking early not only secures space on the vessel but also reduces your exposure to peak-season surcharges and last-minute rate changes.
Choose a Reputable Freight Forwarder
An experienced logistics partner will:
- Provide transparent quotes.
- Explain each charge clearly.
- Keep you posted on carrier changes.
- Recommend the most efficient shipping option.
This helps you keep total logistics costs firmly under control.
Common Mistakes
Some companies tend to:
- Focus only on the freight and ignore the surcharges.
- Fail to check the quote's validity period.
- Not ask about local charges at the destination port.
- Close the contract before confirming all costs.
- Miss carrier notices about surcharge adjustments.
These oversights can make the actual total cost far higher than the original estimate.
Conclusion
In 2026, beyond ocean freight, import-export businesses need to watch surcharges such as BAF, LSS, PSS, EFS, GRI, CIC, THC, PCS and various local charges. Understanding each one helps you budget accurately, limit surprises, and improve the efficiency of your trade operations.
On top of that, staying current with carrier announcements, tracking market movements, and choosing a reputable freight forwarder are key to optimizing your budget and keeping deliveries on schedule.
If you are looking for a reliable, high-quality end-to-end customs clearance service, get in touch with Embassy Freight at our hotline 0936 911 656 for prompt advice and a fast quote!
Need a shipping quote?
Embassy Freight offers end-to-end ocean freight, air freight, and customs clearance. Get a free quote or explore our services.