CMA CGM Will Implement Peak Season Surcharges
Shipping line CMA CGM is introducing a new fee for cargo traveling from China to West Africa starting in late October.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Transportation
Live Poll
Do you expect rising shipping surcharges to increase the price of goods you buy?
Starting October 22, 2026, the global shipping company CMA CGM will impose a Peak Season Surcharge on dry and reefer cargo. The additional fees will affect shipments originating from China and surrounding SARs bound for the West Africa Central and South ranges.
Why it matters
The introduction of this surcharge reflects the ongoing adjustments shipping lines make to manage capacity and operational costs during periods of high demand. Short-term contract holders will see these added costs directly impacting their logistics planning.
The new surcharge is set at USD 350 per TEU for both dry and reefer cargo on short-term contracts. This fee structure covers all shipments originating from China and its SARs.
The players
CMA CGM
CMA CGM is a French global shipping and logistics company that operates one of the largest container fleets in the world.
The details
The surcharge applies to all dry and reefer cargo shipments transported between these specific geographical ranges. By implementing this fee, the carrier aims to account for the logistics demands currently present in the West Africa shipping lanes.
Timeline
The Peak Season Surcharge takes effect on October 22, 2026.
Market Landscape
This move follows the standard industry pattern of carriers applying seasonal surcharges to optimize logistics routes during high-volume periods. Such adjustments demonstrate the volatile nature of global freight markets as companies seek to balance seasonal demand with fixed capacity.
Business clients and shippers who utilize short-term contracts for cargo moving between China and West Africa should prepare for an increase in transport costs. These expenses may be passed down to end consumers depending on the nature of the goods being shipped.
The takeaway
Shippers should factor this USD 350 surcharge into their budget projections for upcoming imports from the Chinese market. Reviewing existing short-term shipping contracts now may help mitigate the financial impact of these new logistics fees.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the global supply chain in the Transportation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by American Journal of Transportation | AJOT | 1-800-599-6358.
Live Poll
Do you expect rising shipping surcharges to increase the price of goods you buy?
