TRADE & SHIPPING UPDATE · October 27, 2026
Maersk announces November PSS changes from China to Kenya and Dar es Salaam
A Maersk rate notice dated October 26 sets out revised peak season surcharges for selected China-origin shipments from November 9. Check your booking’s charge basis before updating a purchasing budget or approving a revised freight invoice.
1. The dated carrier notice
Maersk lists China and Hong Kong, China as origins. From November 9, 2026 until further notice, its table shows USD 1,000 for 20-foot equipment to Kenya and USD 1,200 for 20-foot equipment to Dar es Salaam. For both destinations, the listed amounts for 40-foot and 45-foot equipment are USD 2,000. These figures are peak season surcharges, not complete freight quotations.
The notice distinguishes non-SPOT price-calculation dates from SPOT booking rules. It also states that collection is at origin unless another payment term has been selected. Ask the quoting provider to confirm the rule and payment term applying to your actual booking.
2. Buyer analysis: reconcile the booking before changing the budget
Record the origin, destination, equipment size, service and booking reference alongside the quotation. Ask the forwarder to identify the relevant charge line, applicable calculation date, quote validity and whether the charge is already included. A notice for these destinations should not be applied automatically to every East African shipment.
Keep the announcement date, stated effective date and booking-specific charge date in separate fields. A factory dispatch date or the day an invoice arrives is not sufficient evidence of which tariff applies. If the provider revises the price, obtain the revised quotation and a written explanation of the change.
3. Check totals and avoid counting a surcharge twice
Illustrative example: a buyer’s quotation includes an unspecified surcharge allowance. Before adding the newly announced amount, the buyer asks for an itemized revision confirming whether the allowance already covers that charge. The buyer then compares the complete old and new totals using the same route and equipment assumptions.
Retain ocean freight, applicable surcharges, origin handling, destination handling and onward delivery as distinct cost items where quoted. Identify exclusions and amounts still awaiting confirmation. This notice alone cannot establish the total landed cost or the amount due under a particular contract.
4. Today’s order-follow-up action
Ask the supplier for a realistic cargo-ready date and the forwarder for the corresponding booking and cut-off position. Compare any proposed change in dispatch timing with the full transport plan before approving it. Do not assume an earlier factory departure guarantees a lower charge.
MORENICE can help coordinate supplier readiness and shipping information from China. Keep the dated carrier notice and booking-specific provider response with the order record; actual pricing and service acceptance require confirmation from the responsible provider.