CMA CGM Announces Peak Season Surcharges on Cargo to Multiple Global Destinations Starting March
CMA CGM has announced the implementation of peak season surcharges (PSS) on cargo shipments departing from the West Coast of South America to several global destinations, effective early March.
In a statement issued this week, the French shipping group confirmed that the new surcharges will apply from March 2, 2026, covering cargo bound for Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Caribbean, Central America, the Middle East, the Arabian Gulf, and the Indian subcontinent.
According to the company, the surcharge will amount to USD 800 per refrigerated container.
Freight Rate Updates Across Multiple Trade Lanes
Earlier this week, CMA CGM also revealed updates to freight rates across several shipping routes, effective March 1, 2026.
Under a published notice, the company confirmed that as of March 1, 2026, a Rate Restoration Initiative (RRI01) will be applied to tariff rates or service contracts for all cargo transported within the applicable tariff scope.
This initiative will cover shipments from all Mediterranean ports, including Malta, France (Fos/Marseille), Italy, Spain (Algeciras, Valencia, Barcelona, Sagunto, and Vigo), Portugal, and Morocco, destined for the Port of Montreal, Canada, as well as inland destinations accessible via Montreal.
The new pricing will apply to all cargo except out-of-gauge and breakbulk shipments, with an additional USD 300 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU).
Additional Regional Adjustments
The company further indicated that, due to regional developments and in order to maintain reliable and efficient services, an additional USD 150 per container will be introduced for cargo shipped from San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire, to all destinations, effective March 1, 2026.
In a separate notice, CMA CGM announced the introduction of an Emergency Operational Recovery Surcharge in response to recent operational constraints affecting trade flows.
This measure will take effect on March 2, 2026, and will apply to cargo shipped from Northwest India, Southeast India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Gulf to Morocco, at a rate of USD 100 per container.
BAF Adjustment on France–Tunisia RoRo Service
As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure service reliability and efficiency, the group also confirmed an update to the Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) for its RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) service to Tunisia.
Following changes in marine fuel prices since the last surcharge revision, CMA CGM SSL Intra Europe will adjust the BAF on its southern RoRo service connecting France and Tunisia (both import and export), effective March 1, 2026.
The latest series of adjustments reflects broader efforts by global shipping lines to recalibrate pricing structures amid fluctuating fuel costs, regional disruptions, and evolving trade conditions.