PTFPeak SeasonCarrier-Mandated
Pacific Trade Peak Season Surcharge (PTF)
A trade-lane-specific peak season surcharge applied on the Trans-Pacific route (Asia to US West Coast). Activated during high-demand periods such as pre-Chinese New Year factory rush and pre-Christmas stocking.
Per Container
Category:Basic Shipping FeeChina Export Local ChargesDestination Import Charges
Applies to:
FCLLCL✕ Air✕ Rail✕ Courier✕ Road✕ FBA✕ As Request
Typical Cost Range
PTF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) is applied on top of ocean freight. Rate varies by carrier, route, and bunker market.
20ft Container
$200–$1200
per 20ft
40ft Container
$400–$2400
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.
PTF is carrier-announced and applies uniformly. Large-volume forwarders may receive temporary waivers.
Adjustment Frequency
MonthlyWeeklyFixed
Current rate reviewed: Ad-hoc / case-by-case
Chargeable Unit
FCL: Per Container
LCL: Per CBM
Formula / Calculation
PTF = Carrier-Announced Flat Rate Surcharge per Container on Trans-Pacific Routespeak seasonPacificTrans-PacificAsia-USPSS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PTF the same as PSS?
PTF is a Trans-Pacific-specific variant of PSS. The Trans-Atlantic route may have its own version.
Often Appears Together With
These charges frequently appear on the same freight invoice as PTF:
Related Charges
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