Glossary

Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)

Definition

Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) is an additional fee imposed by shipping carriers and freight forwarders during periods of high demand for cargo transportation, typically in the lead-up to major holidays or seasonal events. The surcharge is implemented to manage the increased volume of shipments, cover the costs of additional resources, and account for the higher transportation expenses due to the higher demand for shipping services. PSS may apply to various transportation modes, including ocean freight, air freight, and road freight, and can be assessed on a per-container, per-ton, or per-cubic-meter basis.

— sennder Team

FAQ

Carriers impose PSS to manage the increased volume of shipments during high-demand periods, cover the costs of additional resources, and account for higher transportation expenses due to increased demand.
PSS is typically applied during periods of high demand for cargo transportation, such as in the lead-up to major holidays or seasonal events.
PSS can be assessed on a per-container, per-ton, or per-cubic-meter basis, and the exact calculation method may vary among carriers and routes.
Yes, PSS can apply to various transportation modes, including ocean freight, air freight, and road freight.
Shippers should be aware of the potential impact of PSS on their transportation costs and factor these charges into their budget planning and supply chain management strategies.
Example or usage in road freight logistics

A shipper exporting goods from Asia to Europe during the pre-Christmas period may be subject to a Peak Season Surcharge imposed by the ocean carrier to accommodate the increased demand for shipping services. This additional fee would need to be factored into the shipper's overall transportation costs and considered in their supply chain planning.

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