A congestion surcharge is an additional freight charge applied when port, terminal, road, rail, warehouse, or delivery congestion increases carrier operating costs or causes delays. In shipping and logistics, it helps carriers recover costs related to longer wait times, rerouting, equipment shortages, missed appointments, yard delays, or reduced terminal productivity. Congestion surcharges may apply by lane, port, container, shipment, or delivery area and can change when traffic, labour, weather, or capacity conditions worsen.
- Applied per container on affected trade lanes
- Announced by carriers with short notice during congestion events
- Common at major U.S. ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, Savannah, and Houston
Monitor carrier announcements and build contingency time into delivery commitments during peak shipping seasons.
Related terms: BAF, PSS (Peak Season Surcharge), GRI (General Rate Increase), Ocean Freight.
