PSS2Peak SeasonCarrier-Mandated
Peak Season Surcharge — China to Europe/USA (PSS2)
A second-tier peak season surcharge applied specifically on the China export lanes during extreme demand periods. When regular PSS is already in effect and demand still exceeds capacity, carriers layer PSS2 on top. Common before Chinese New Year and during supply chain crises.
Per Container
Category:Basic Shipping FeeChina Export Local ChargesDestination Import Charges
Applies to:
FCLLCL✕ Air✕ Rail✕ Courier✕ Road✕ FBA✕ As Request
Typical Cost Range
PSS2 (Bunker Adjustment Factor) is applied on top of ocean freight. Rate varies by carrier, route, and bunker market.
20ft Container
$200–$1000
per 20ft
40ft Container
$400–$2000
per 40ft
Route Reference Rates(April 2026)
China → US West
$150–$600
China → US East
$200–$800
China → Europe
$120–$500
China → SE Asia
$50–$200
China → Oceania
$100–$400
China → S. America
$150–$600
Who Pays?
Shipper (When CIF, DAP)
Consignee (When EXW, FOB)
Negotiability
Set by carrier or port authority — not negotiable.
PSS2 is crisis-driven and non-negotiable. During severe capacity crunches, shippers have no choice but to pay.
Adjustment Frequency
MonthlyWeeklyFixed
Current rate reviewed: Ad-hoc / case-by-case
Chargeable Unit
FCL: Per Container
LCL: Per CBM
Formula / Calculation
PSS2 = Carrier Announced Additional Surcharge on Top of PSSpeakChinaseasonalextremestacked
Frequently Asked Questions
When was PSS2 most recently applied?
During Q4 2021 and Q1 2022 when COVID-19 e-commerce demand combined with port congestion created extreme capacity tightness from China.
Is PSS2 announced in advance?
Usually 14-30 days advance notice, though in extreme market conditions carriers have announced with as little as 7 days notice.
Often Appears Together With
These charges frequently appear on the same freight invoice as PSS2:
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