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Maersk is implementing the Heavy Load Surcharge (HWS) for 20 dry containers (20DC & 20TANK) with Verified Gross Mass (VGM) exceeding 20 metric tons from Mediterranean Area to Houston (United States) and Canada, effective price calculation date 20 April 2026.
The new tariff levels are as follows:
| Origin* | Destination | Effective Date | Container | Rate | VGM Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Origin*
Mediterranean Area
|
Destination
Houston - United States
|
Effective Date
April 20th, 2026
|
Container
20DC & 20TANK
|
Rate
250 USD
|
VGM Weight
> 20 metric tons
|
|
Origin*
Mediterranean Area
|
Destination
Canada
|
Effective Date
April 20th, 2026
|
Container
20DC & 20TANK
|
Rate
250 USD
|
VGM Weight
> 20 metric tons
|
*Origin refers to countries Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Morocco, Portugal, Romania, Solvenia, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine
When Verified Gross Mass (VGM) exceeds the weight threshold, Heavy Load Surcharge will be triggered. The Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is the weight of the cargo including dunnage and bracing plus the tare weight of the container carrying this cargo.
Heavy Weight Surcharge will be applicable to all Ocean products including contract products, SPOT, Maersk Go, and others.
For non-FMC, PCD refers to the scheduled departure date of the first water leg at the time of booking confirmation for non-spot bookings.
For FMC, PCD is last container gate-in date for non-spot bookings.
For SPOT booking, the above rate is retrieved based on booking confirmation date.
For your reference, you can always view the latest levels and rate structures directly on our Tariff Lookup page
(Current coverage: FMC – Federal Maritime Commission and EEA – European Economic Area regulated countries)
For trades subject to the US Shipping Act or the China Maritime Regulations, quotations or surcharges that vary from the Maersk tariff shall not be binding on Maersk unless included in a service contract or service contract amendment that has been filed with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) or the Shanghai Shipping Exchange, as applicable.
We review all surcharges regularly and you can find all surcharge updates here.
If you have any further questions, please contact your local Maersk representative. We are always standing by to help you plan your future supply chain moves and assist you with your logistical needs.