June 26th, 2025 – Indian exporters are grappling with a growing wave of overweight container surcharges imposed by major ocean carriers, as westbound shipping capacity remains strained due to ongoing schedule disruptions.
Leading lines including CMA CGM, Maersk, Mediterranean Shipping Co., and Cosco Shipping have introduced new fees on laden containers that exceed standard weight limits. These surcharges are affecting a broad range of Indian export routes, including those to the U.S., the Mediterranean, Africa, and South America.
Maersk, for example, has started charging $200 per TEU on shipments to the U.S. that weigh more than 22 metric tons. The surcharge coincides with increased demand on its India–U.S. East Coast “MECL” service, where vessel space out of West India has been fully booked in recent weeks. Reduced sailings by rival carriers have intensified the pressure.
CMA CGM plans to implement its own surcharge from July 13th, targeting dry shipments to South America’s East Coast that exceed 18 metric tons, with a $600-per-TEU fee. Additionally, a $150 surcharge will apply from July 1st on shipments over 27 metric tons headed to ports like Mombasa and Dar es Salaam from West India.
Freight forwarders report that these measures are intended to discourage heavy loadings of goods such as stone, tile, and metal products, as carriers aim to optimize vessel capacity by prioritizing lighter cargo. Industry insiders also point to a shortage of 40-foot containers as contributing to the spike in average container weight – some recent voyages have seen average TEU weights nearing 19.5 metric tons, well above the typical 14-metric-ton threshold.
While not all carriers have implemented overweight surcharges, those that haven’t are often limiting their booking systems to automated platforms, avoiding manual bookings that might increase the risk of weight misreporting.
Exporters and forwarders alike anticipate that more fees may be on the way, especially with the industry entering the peak shipping season. Indian shippers are bracing for additional cost pressures as lines continue to tighten controls and adjust pricing strategies based on cargo composition and available space.
Trans-Border will continue to monitor the situation and advise customers accordingly. Should you have any questions, please send us an email or give us a call at 518-785-6000.
