The Cost of Shipping Just Got More Expensive — Here’s Why That Matters
As of June 2025, international freight costs are rising fast. Importers shipping from Shanghai to major U.S. hubs like Long Beach and Chicago now face layered surcharges that significantly raise landed costs.
The shipping landscape has become increasingly volatile, and this latest round of rate changes includes:
- General Rate Increases (GRIs)
- Peak Season Surcharges (PSS)
- Fuel-based Bunker Adjustment Factors (BAFs)
These adjustments can increase the cost of a single container by over $2,500.
For supply chain professionals and logistics teams, this is more than a temporary headache—it’s a financial risk that requires immediate attention. At Beyond Logix, we help you anticipate and manage these disruptions through proactive planning, real-time visibility, and intelligent freight strategies designed to protect your bottom line.
June 2025 Surcharges: A Closer Look
General Rate Increase (GRI)
Effective June 1, ocean carriers have raised their base shipping rates:
- $1,800 per 20′ container
- $2,000 per 40′ container
These increases apply across all U.S. destinations, including West Coast ports.
Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)
With demand rising during the summer shipping rush, carriers like Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM have issued peak season fees:
- $1,000 per 20’ container
- $2,000 per 40’ container
Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)
Environmental regulations and rising VLSFO (Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil) prices are pushing fuel surcharges higher:
- An estimated $600–$700 per TEU on Asia–U.S. West Coast routes
Combined, these surcharges dramatically alter freight budgets, particularly for companies importing at scale or working within tight margin thresholds.
What This Means for Your Supply Chain
Many organizations are caught off guard when rate hikes occur. Without transparent pricing tools, forecasting models, or real-time routing options, it becomes nearly impossible to budget accurately or respond quickly.
These surcharges are introduced:
- Unexpected increases in landed costs
- Complications with inventory planning
- Strain on supplier and procurement timelines
- Pressure on financial forecasting and pricing strategies
Energy-efficient warehouses also have longer-term value. They are more attractive to clients focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and can qualify for green building certifications or even energy rebates in some regions.
How Beyond Logix Helps You Stay in Control
At Beyond Logix, our mission is to modernize freight management. We help companies transform unpredictable logistics into streamlined, cost-efficient operations. Here’s how:
1. End-to-End Freight Visibility
Know exactly where your containers are, when they’ll arrive, and what fees are attached. Our platform delivers transparency from origin to final destination.
2. Landed Cost Intelligence
We help finance and supply chain teams calculate actual landed cost per shipment or SKU, including accessorial fees, fuel surcharges, and real-time rate fluctuations, so you can plan with precision.
3. Carrier-Agnostic Optimization
Our systems identify smarter lanes, consolidation opportunities, and better mode selection to reduce unnecessary spend. Whether rerouting freight or shifting carriers, we help you find the most efficient path forward.
4. Predictive Reporting for Proactive Planning
Our reports provide forward-looking surcharge forecasts, seasonal pricing insights, and historical cost trends—turning logistics data into actionable business intelligence.
Why Clients Choose Beyond Logix
Beyond Logix is more than a freight solutions provider. We act as a strategic partner that understands how shipping decisions affect your operations, finances, and customer experience.
With us, clients gain:
- Reduced landed costs through intelligent freight planning
- Increased shipping reliability even in volatile markets
- Data-driven decision-making tools tailored to procurement and finance teams
- Scalable logistics strategies aligned with enterprise growth
In B2B sectors like manufacturing, industrial goods, and retail logistics, sustainability is increasingly a key part of vendor selection. By positioning your logistics process as both effective and environmentally responsible, you can gain a competitive edge and access new revenue opportunities.
Take Action Before the Next Surcharge Hits
The June 2025 surcharges are a wake-up call for every supply chain leader. But they don’t have to become a cost centre you can’t control. With Beyond Logix, you gain the tools to act, adapt, and thrive—even when the market isn’t on your side.
Schedule a free logistics consultation and let us show you how to reduce exposure, improve visibility, and drive long-term savings.
Schedule Your Freight Cost Review: https://beyondlogix.com/contact
Source References
- MSC – General Rate Increase Announcement:
https://www.ajot.com/news/msc-announcement-gri-general-rate-increase-and-additional-scopes
2. Maersk – Peak Season Surcharge for Far East Asia to U.S.:
https://www.maersk.com/news/articles/2025/04/15/peak-season-surcharge-for-the-scope-of-far-east-asia-countries
3. CMA CGM – China to U.S. PSS Notice (June 15, 2025):
https://www.cma-cgm.com/assets/public/documents/CA-clarification%20of%20China-US%20PSS%20effective%2015%20Jun%202025.pdf
4. Maersk – Low Sulphur Surcharge Update (BAF):
https://www.maersk.com/news/articles/2025/03/01/low-sulphur-surcharge
