Maersk has announced the implementation of a Heavy Load Surcharge on its X4FS service covering shipments from four Chinese origin ports to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, effective from the price calculation date of May 29, 2026. The move represents a new step to address rising operational costs on the Latin America route.
The surcharge applies to 20-foot dry equipment types with a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) exceeding 20 metric tonnes and to 40-foot non-operating reefer equipment with a VGM exceeding 23 metric tonnes. The 20-foot dry equipment category encompasses a broad range of unit types including standard dry, bulk, collapsible flat rack, open top, tank and twin deck containers.
Origin ports covered are Shanghai, Qingdao, Xingang and Dalian in China. For Santos, Itapoa, Itajai and Paranagua in Brazil, the surcharge is $400 per unit for both 20-foot dry and 40-foot non-operating reefer equipment at their respective weight thresholds. For Montevideo in Uruguay, the same $400 rate applies to both equipment types.
For Buenos Aires in Argentina, a different rate structure has been established. The 20-foot dry surcharge is $400 per unit above 20 metric tonnes, while the 40-foot non-operating reefer surcharge is $200 per unit above 25 metric tonnes.
The move is part of an increasing trend of surcharge applications in the global container shipping sector to manage operational costs. Maersk aims to maintain profitability on the Latin America route with these tariffs that reflect the impact of heavy cargo on terminal operations and vessel stability.
Key Takeaways:
1. Maersk will implement a heavy load surcharge on its China-Latin America X4FS service starting May 29, 2026.
2. Surcharge applies to 20-foot dry equipment exceeding 20 metric tonnes VGM and 40-foot non-operating reefer exceeding 23 metric tonnes.
3. Shipments from Shanghai, Qingdao, Xingang and Dalian ports to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay are covered under the new policy.
4. Brazilian and Uruguayan ports face a $400 per unit surcharge while Buenos Aires has a different rate structure.
5. Buenos Aires charges are $400 for 20-foot equipment and $200 for 40-foot non-operating reefer above respective thresholds.
