Hapag-Lloyd announces new freight charges across major trade routes
The carrier will introduce a heavy lift surcharge on Asia–Africa shipments and higher general rates on selected routes from South America’s east coast.
Hapag-Lloyd has announced changes to its freight charges on several international container shipping routes, including a new heavy lift surcharge for shipments from Asia and Oceania to Africa and a general rate increase covering selected trades from South America’s east coast.
The measures have different implementation dates and apply to separate cargo movements, with the heavy lift surcharge scheduled to take effect on 26 October 2026 and the general rate increase from 15 November 2026.
Heavy lift surcharge for Africa-bound cargo
The carrier will introduce a Heavy Lift Surcharge (HLC) of $200 per 20-foot container for shipments originating in Asia and Oceania and destined for Africa.
The surcharge applies to containers with a gross weight of at least 20 metric tonnes, including the container’s tare weight.
According to Hapag-Lloyd, the measure covers all container types meeting the specified weight threshold and will apply to cargo loaded on board from 26 October 2026 until further notice.
General rate increase on Americas routes
Separately, Hapag-Lloyd has announced a General Rate Increase (GRI) of $1,000 per standard container for shipments from South America’s east coast to several destinations across the Americas.
The increase covers shipments to South America’s west coast through the CON service, as well as movements to North America, Central America and the Caribbean through the GS1 service.
Shipments from South America’s east coast to North America’s east coast through the SEC service are also included.
The revised rates are scheduled to apply from 15 November 2026 and remain valid until further notice.
Hapag-Lloyd noted that the ocean tariff rates remain subject to applicable bunker, security, terminal handling and peak season charges, where relevant. Additional local and contingency charges may also apply.
The announced changes affect separate trade corridors and represent different pricing mechanisms, with the HLC linked to container weight and the GRI applying to specified container shipping services.
