What is the scope and structure of CMA CGM's July 10 PSS?
Trade press reporting describes the surcharge as applying to all transpacific containers on CMA CGM services, without a per-lane or per-commodity exemption structure identified in available reporting. At $4,000/FEU, the surcharge is applied on top of the current base spot rate — which Freightos data put at approximately $4,800/FEU to the US West Coast following June 1 GRI actions — creating a potential all-in rate of $8,800+/FEU for spot bookings on CMA CGM from July 10.
| Component | Amount | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Base spot rate (USWC, Jun 16) | ~$4,800/FEU | Current |
| BAF Q3 adjustment | ~$500/FEU | July 2026 |
| CMA CGM PSS | $4,000/FEU | July 10, 2026 |
| Estimated all-in (CMA CGM, USWC, July 10+) | ~$9,300/FEU | Combined |
- $4,000/FEU is the largest single PSS figure in the current peak cycle, per trade press
- Other major carriers have not published matching July 10 announcements as of June 17, per available reporting
- Shippers on long-term service contracts with CMA CGM should check PSS clause language — blanket PSS applicability to service contracts varies
How does this compare to other carriers' current surcharge levels?
Other carriers have announced PSS amounts ranging from $500 to $2,000/FEU on transpacific lanes in the current peak cycle, per trade press tracking of carrier circulars. CMA CGM's $4,000/FEU figure is materially higher than the range seen from other carriers, which may reflect a more aggressive capacity management stance or a test of market acceptance at a higher rate level. Shippers booking on non-CMA CGM services will not face this specific figure but should confirm their carrier's PSS schedule for July.
Does this PSS apply to contracted shippers or only spot?
Trade press reporting does not specify an explicit contract carve-out for the CMA CGM July 10 PSS. Service contract PSS applicability depends on individual contract language — some contracts include PSS exclusion clauses, others pass surcharges through automatically. Shippers with CMA CGM service contracts should review PSS language immediately rather than assuming exemption.
What Shippers Should Do
- If any of your cargo is booked on CMA CGM transpacific services with a sailing date on or after July 10, update your landed cost model to include the $4,000/FEU PSS — do not use pre-announcement quotes for post-July 10 cost projections.
- Review your CMA CGM service contract PSS clause this week; if the clause passes surcharges through automatically, you may face the full $4,000/FEU even on contract rate cargo.
- Compare your current CMA CGM allocation cost against alternative carrier options for July sailings, factoring in that other carriers have published lower PSS figures for the same period.
- For cargo flexible enough to sail before July 10, model the cost difference: approximately $4,000/FEU savings on the PSS alone, plus any BAF difference, may justify a compressed booking timeline.