Ocean carrier CMA CGM has imposed a $2,600 peak season surcharge on 40- and 45-foot containers shipped from the East Mediterranean to U.S. East Coast ports, effective July 1, 2026. The move coincides with a sharp rise in SONAR’s Ocean Volume Index—from 49,032 to 65,346 since May 4—reflecting surging demand. The surcharge applies to dry cargo originating in 12 countries including Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Ukraine, and Romania. A separate $1,000 surcharge covers West Mediterranean–U.S. East Coast routes. CMA CGM cited only its 'continued effort to provide customers with reliable and efficient services' as rationale. FreightWaves has contacted the carrier for further comment.
It’s that peak time of year, and ocean carriers are shaking off months of uncertain demand with an array of peak season surcharges and other price hikes across a range of services.
CMA CGM Imposes $2,600 Peak Surcharge
French carrier CMA CGM this week announced one of the biggest, a whopping $2,600 increase on 40- and 45-foot containers moving from the East Mediterranean to U.S. East Coast ports.
The world’s third-largest box carrier gave no specific reason other than a statement that the surcharge comes “[i]n a continued effort to provide our customers with reliable and efficient services.”
Demand Surge Drives Ocean Volume Index Up
Demand is surging as the peak season gets underway. SONAR’s Ocean Volume Index has risen to 65,346 from 49,032 since May 4.
Demand is surging as the peak season gets underway. SONAR’s Ocean Volume Index has risen to 65,346 from 49,032 since May 4.
Effective Date and Geographic Scope
The surcharge for dry cargo is effective July 1 for shipments originating in Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, Bulgaria, Egypt, Syria, Georgia, Ukraine, Romania, Croatia, Albania, and Slovenia destined for U.S. East Coast ports and inland points.
- East Mediterranean → U.S. East Coast: $2,600 per container
- West Mediterranean → U.S. East Coast: $1,000 per container
Another peak season surcharge, from the West Mediterranean to U.S. East Coast ports, isn’t quite as pricey at $1,000 per container.
FreightWaves has reached out to CMA CGM for comment.
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Source: FreightWaves
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
