Starting November 23, 2024, global shipping carrier CMA CGM began applying new Port Congestion Surcharges for shipments arriving at major East Coast Canadian ports. The additional charges are a response to seasonal port congestion, increased dwell times, and growing container backlogs in Montreal, Halifax, and Saint John.
This development significantly affects freight rates, shipping container delivery schedules, and overall import/export planning in the region.
What Is the New Congestion Surcharge?
CMA CGM’s surcharge applies to all inbound containers at the affected ports and varies by container type:
| Container Type | Surcharge (USD) |
|---|---|
| 20′ Standard | $400 |
| 40′ Standard | $600 |
| Reefer (Refrigerated) | Up to $1,000 |
The surcharge is applied per container, on top of regular freight and destination charges.
Which Ports Are Affected?
The following Canadian ports are subject to this surcharge as of November 23, 2024:
- Port of Montreal – Quebec’s primary container gateway to Europe and the Atlantic
- Port of Halifax – Key East Coast port with growing transatlantic volume
- Port of Saint John (NB) – Rapidly expanding in regional intermodal logistics
Why Is This Happening?
CMA CGM cites several core reasons:
- Seasonal congestion during Q4 peak shipping season
- Labour shortages and delayed vessel berthing
- Lack of chassis and drayage availability in major cities
- Terminal dwell times increasing past operational norms
This surcharge aims to offset higher terminal storage fees, yard operation costs, and port delays.
Impact on Canadian Container Shipping Costs
The new Port Congestion Surcharge adds substantial cost pressure on:
- Importers and exporters using affected ports
- Logistics coordinators managing container dwell or drayage
- Storage container delivery services facing turnaround delays
- Reefer cargo operators whose goods are sensitive to time and conditions
For example, a 2-container delivery to Halifax (1×20′, 1×40′) now includes an extra $1,000 USD purely in congestion surcharges.
What It Means for Shipping Schedules and Planning
1. Longer Port Dwell Times
Container offloading delays in Montreal and Halifax are averaging 3–5 additional days in peak periods.
2. Higher Cost per Shipment
Budgeting for Q4 and early Q1 2025 must include a congestion buffer.
3. Risk of Demurrage Overlap
Surcharges are applied in addition to demurrage or detention fees, compounding total container cost.
How Canadian Shippers Can Adapt
🔄 1. Diversify Ports of Entry
Where possible, reroute through less congested ports like Vancouver or Prince Rupert during seasonal peaks.
📦 2. Leverage Intermodal Transport
Combine rail and road to avoid long container dwell at East Coast terminals.
🧊 3. Prioritize Reefer Containers
Refrigerated cargo should be prioritized for unloading and inland delivery to reduce spoilage risk.
📋 4. Renegotiate Carrier Agreements
Request clear surcharge terms in contracts to avoid surprises or dispute resolution delays.
CMA CGM vs Other Carriers: Are Surcharges an Industry Trend?
Yes. Port congestion surcharges (PCCs) are now industry-standard practice during Q4 peak season and in high-traffic regions. For example:
- Hapag-Lloyd introduced similar fees for East Asia–North America in May 2025
- Maersk and ONE have congestion-related surcharges in U.S. West Coast ports
- DP World terminals in Canada are implementing priority berthing charges
This signals a larger pattern of carriers shifting congestion-related costs to shippers.
Broader Industry Implications
The imposition of port congestion surcharges highlights:
- Fragility of port infrastructure in handling peak volumes
- The need for digitized port scheduling and container tracking
- Opportunities for off-port storage and delivery container staging
- Greater risk exposure for companies using JIT (just-in-time) inventory flows
It also reinforces the strategic importance of storage container delivery services that can provide buffer capacity during inland delays.
Local Impacts: Montreal, Halifax, and Saint John
🏙 Montreal
- Inner-city congestion due to limited drayage and rail gate appointments
- High dependency on rail adds pressure to intermodal transfer zones
🌊 Halifax
- Rapid growth outpacing local trucking and chassis availability
- Seasonal weather disruptions increase unloading delays
⚓ Saint John
- Expanding, but still limited by infrastructure scale compared to major ports
- Higher relative impact of fees on smaller-volume shippers
Compare Local Storage & Container Delivery Options
If you’re importing through an affected port, consider using local storage container delivery services to avoid additional demurrage/detention fees:
You can coordinate short-term off-site storage or flexible mobile container drop-off to reduce terminal reliance.
Final Takeaways
The Port Congestion Surcharge by CMA CGM is a direct response to growing inefficiencies at Canadian East Coast terminals. While understandable from the carrier’s perspective, it adds financial and operational complexity for every stakeholder.
Key Actions:
- Plan earlier in the shipping season
- Budget for surcharge scenarios
- Monitor container dwell daily
- Work with delivery partners who can offer off-terminal storage options
In a congested logistics landscape, flexibility and preparation are the new currency.
