A Peak Season Surcharge, or PSS, is an extra freight fee added during periods of high shipping demand when carrier capacity, equipment, labour, or terminal space is limited. It is commonly used in ocean freight, air cargo, parcel delivery, and retail supply chains before major holidays or seasonal sales periods. PSS helps carriers recover higher operating costs and manage congestion, while shippers must account for it when calculating landed cost and seasonal logistics budgets. For ocean carriers, PSS is typically applied July through October when retailers are building inventory ahead of the holiday season.
- Applied per TEU or FEU on affected trade lanes
- Announced by carriers with 30 days or less notice
- Rates vary by carrier and trade lane
- Duration is typically 2 to 4 months depending on market conditions
Plan ocean freight budgets to account for PSS during peak season. Booking early on long-term service contracts can lock in rates before PSS announcements.
