Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)
A Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) is a temporary fee carriers add to ocean (and air) freight during periods of high demand, when cargo volumes surge and vessel space becomes scarce. It is applied per container on affected trade lanes and reflects the carrier's ability to charge more when demand outstrips available capacity.
Peak seasons typically cluster around major retail build-ups and holidays — the run-up to Christmas, and shipping ahead of Chinese New Year factory closures — when everyone wants to move goods at once. The PSS can be introduced, raised or withdrawn at relatively short notice as the market tightens or eases. For shippers, anticipating peak-season surcharges (and booking capacity early) is an important part of budgeting and planning shipments around the calendar.
Shipping demand is deeply seasonal, and when space runs short carriers price it accordingly — the PSS can add materially to freight at exactly the busiest times. Shippers who anticipate peak-season surcharges and book capacity ahead protect both their budgets and their delivery timelines against the annual crunch.
When do peak season surcharges apply?
During high-demand periods such as the pre-Christmas rush and shipping ahead of Chinese New Year, when space is tight.
Can a PSS change at short notice?
Yes — carriers can introduce, raise or withdraw it as market demand and available capacity shift.