GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Port congestion surcharge
A port congestion surcharge is a temporary levy that shipping lines impose when vessels face unplanned waiting times outside a terminal due to berth unavailability.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://www.logisticsandtransport.com
Category
Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?
Reading time
1 min
Words
98
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
A port congestion surcharge is a temporary levy that shipping lines impose when vessels face unplanned waiting times outside a terminal due to berth unavailability. It is not a standing charge but is activated for specific bottleneck situations – labour disputes, seasonal cargo peaks, or weather-related disruptions. Shippers and freight forwarders typically receive short-notice circulars from the carrier. The surcharge should not be confused with the Peak Season Surcharge (PSS), which reflects broad seasonal demand increases: the congestion surcharge covers identifiable operational cost overruns at the terminal, including extended idle time, additional equipment deployment, and increased coordination effort.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
⚖️ ICC Incoterms 2020
Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?
Analyze all 11 Incoterms 2020: cost matrix, risk timeline, insurance gap detector and customs responsibility – free, no login required.
Connect
Find a matching partner on this lane
Verified forwarders, ranked by coverage and profile — premium capped at 10%.
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.
Community Questions & Answers
Share your knowledge, ask follow-up questions, or add practical insights to this page. Every contribution is moderated before publication.
No community answers yet. Be the first.