This surcharge is introduced in response to persistently low water levels on the Rhine River, which have significantly constrained barge transport capacity. Consequently, demand for alternative inland transport modes—namely road and rail—has surged, resulting in widespread pressure on overall inland logistics capacity.

Scope of Application  

The Congestion Surcharge applies uniformly across all inland transport modalities (road, rail, and barge), covering shipments originating from or destined to the following Central European countries when routed via Antwerp or Rotterdam: Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Switzerland.

The surcharge will be levied under the applicable carrier-specific tariff codes: PCS (Port Congestion Surcharge) or OCS (Origin Congestion Surcharge), as determined by shipment origin and routing.

Surcharge Rates  

• €50 per standard container (20-foot equivalent unit, TEU) for shipments involving Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg;  

• €50 per TEU for shipments involving Germany, France, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Switzerland.

Effective Dates  

• For non-FMC-regulated cargo: 1 September 2026;  

• For FMC-regulated shipments (i.e., those subject to U.S. Federal Maritime Commission jurisdiction): 20 September 2026.

Resource.: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/ODNTy6XsmWn6jsiawVVIqQ