Ocean Freight Increase 2026: Up to $1000 GRI, FAK, and PSS Updates from Major Carriers
YQN Operation Team
As of late February 2026, major global carriers including MSC, CMA CGM, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd have officially issued notices for freight increase effective from March 1, 2026. These adjustments involve FAK, GRI and PSS across several key global trade lanes. In this article we focus on the freight increase from the Far East.
MSC New FAK
1. Far East to Sub-Saharan Africa and Indian Ocean
FAK Rates (March 1–15, 2026): MSC has announced updated FAK rates for cargo from all Far East ports to Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean, with 20' DV at USD 2,650–4,100 and 40' DV at USD 3,650–6,100.
2. Far East to Europe, Mediterranean, and Black Sea
FAK Rates (March 15–31, 2026): MSC has announced updated new FAK rates for cargo from the Far East (including Japan, Korea, SE Asia) to North Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea, with 20' DV at USD 1,920–5250 and 40' DV at USD 3,200–7,400.
Note: MSC’s FAK rates include ocean freight and VATOS surcharges: GFS (USD 54/TEU), ECA (USD 15/TEU for Med/North Europe; USD 52/TEU for Baltic), plus additional CLS (USD 20/TEU) and CRS (USD 91/TEU for North Europe; USD 115/TEU for Med).
CMA CGM PSS Updates
1. Far East to West Africa
- Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) (Effective March 1, 2026): CMA CGM announced a PSS for dry and reefer cargo under short-term contracts from the Far East to all West African regions. While general increases reach up to $1,000/TEU, check the table below for details.
| Origin Region | Destination Range (West Africa) | Specific Countries / Ports | Surcharge Amount |
| North East & South East Asia(Excluding China) | All West Africa Ranges | All ports in West Africa | $300 per TEU |
| China | West Africa Central | Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Ghana, Togo, Equatorial Guinea | $700 per TEU |
| China | West Africa South | Angola, Congo, DRC, Namibia, Gabon, Cameroon | $650 per TEU |
| China | West Africa North | Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Sao Tome & Principe | $450 per TEU |
2. Asia to East and South Africa
Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) (March 1–15, 2026): CMA CGM has implemented a PSS for all cargo types departing from the Far East to East and South African destinations, specifically covering Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa.
Hapag-Lloyd GRI Updates
1. Far East to Latin America
General Rate Increase (GRI) (Effective March 1, 2026): Hapag-Lloyd has announced a new GRI for cargo originating in Asia and destined for the West Coast of South America, Mexico, Central America, East Coast of South America, and the Caribbean (including Panama). The adjustment consists of a flat increase of USD 1,000 per container.
| Trade Route | Destination Region | Container Type | Current Rate | New Rate | GRI |
| Far East → South America (West Coast)(e.g., Chile, Peru, Ecuador) | West Coast | 20' Dry | $1,300 | $2,300 | +$1,000 |
| 40' Dry | $1,600 | $2,600 | +$1,000 | ||
| 40' NOR | $1,500 | $2,500 | +$1,000 | ||
| Far East → Mexico (West Coast) | West Coast | 20' Dry | $1,300 | $2,300 | +$1,000 |
| 40' Dry | $1,600 | $2,600 | +$1,000 | ||
| 40' NOR | $1,500 | $2,500 | +$1,000 | ||
| Far East → South America (East Coast)(e.g., Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay) | East Coast | 20' Dry | $1,000 | $2,000 | +$1,000 |
| 40' Dry | $1,200 | $2,200 | +$1,000 | ||
| 40' NOR | $1,000 | $2,000 | +$1,000 | ||
| Far East → SA West Coast & Central America(Including Panama/GTPRQ) | Mixed Region | 20' Dry | $2,600 | $3,600 | +$1,000 |
| 40' Dry | $2,700 | $3,700 | +$1,000 | ||
| 40' NOR | $2,600 | $3,600 | +$1,000 |
2. Far East to North Europe and the Mediterranean
FAK Rates (Effective March 1, 2026): Hapag-Lloyd has updated its Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates for routes from the Far East to North Europe, the West Mediterranean, the Adriatic, and the East Mediterranean. These revised rates apply to 20' and 40' dry and reefer containers, including High Cubes, for all voyages commencing on or after March 1.
Maersk PSS Updates
Far East to Latin America
Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) (Effective March 2026): Maersk has announced a new PSS for cargo originating from Far East Asia—including Greater China and Southeast Asia—to Mexico, the West Coast of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. A flat surcharge of USD 500 per container (covering all equipment types) will be implemented with staggered effective dates: March 6 for most Far East origins, March 14 for shipments from Vietnam, and March 30 for cargo destined for Puerto Rico and Colombia.
The above information is based on public carrier announcements as of February 2026. For precise booking rates, please search real-time freight rates on YQN’s logistics rate search engine.
Why are ocean freight rates rising in March 2026?
To understand the ocean freight increase 2026 trend, we must look at three critical supply chain factors:
1. Shipping Volume: Carriers are pushing for higher rates to capitalize on the manufacturing ramp-up after the Chinese New Year.
2. Capacity Constraints: Persistent equipment shortages in Europe and vessel rerouting have tightened supply.
3. Geopolitical Risk: Regional instability (war) has forced further route diversions (such as bypassing the Red Sea), leading to higher operational costs and increased risk premiums.
Conclusion
The 2026 ocean freight increase is a clear signal that the market remains under pressure. With GRI and PSS updates reaching up to $1,000, shippers are advised to book at least 3-4 weeks in advance to avoid further rate hikes and equipment delays.
YQN Logistics can help you to lock your shipping space. You can chat with our expert (WhatsApp: +44 7873 164583) to secure your shipping space now!
