How are PSS and GRI charges combining on current rate notices?
Trade press tracking of carrier circulars indicates the two charges are typically itemized separately but applied to the same shipment, meaning the all-in increase a shipper sees can be the sum of both. The exact combined amount varies by carrier, lane, and whether a shipper is on a contract rate or moving spot.
| Charge Type | Typical Range | Application |
|---|---|---|
| GRI (general rate increase) | Varies by lane and carrier notice | Base rate adjustment |
| PSS (peak season surcharge) | $500-$2,000 per container | Layered on top of GRI |
| Combined effect | Contract-dependent | Varies by carrier and contract terms |
- PSS amounts of $500-$2,000 per container have been reported across multiple carrier circulars, per trade press tracking
- Some carriers apply PSS as a flat per-container fee; others tier it by container type
- Whether PSS applies to a given contract depends on the specific service contract or NAC terms in place
Why are carriers adding PSS on top of GRI rather than a single combined increase?
Trade press coverage frames itemized PSS as carriers' established mechanism for capturing seasonal demand premiums without renegotiating base contract rates mid-term. This keeps the GRI structure intact for long-term contract holders while still allowing carriers to capture additional revenue during the peak window.
Does PSS apply to all shippers equally?
Carrier circulars reviewed in trade press coverage are not uniform — some explicitly exempt shippers under certain long-term service contracts, while others apply PSS broadly across spot and NAC bookings. Shippers should check the specific language of their own service contract rather than assuming a blanket exemption or a blanket charge.
What Shippers Should Do
- Request an itemized breakdown of GRI vs. PSS on any new rate quote — do not assume the quoted "all-in" figure is final if a PSS notice has been circulated for that carrier and lane.
- Check your existing service contract language for PSS exemption clauses before assuming the surcharge applies to your bookings.
- Model landed cost using the combined GRI+PSS figure for peak-season planning, not the pre-surcharge base rate.
- If booking spot for time-sensitive cargo, confirm whether the PSS is a flat per-container fee or tiered by container size, as this changes the per-unit impact for high-cube vs. standard containers.