MSC, CMA CGM Add Panama Canal Surcharges from Sept 12 as Daily Transits Tighten to 32

Summary

Ocean carriers began passing through Panama Canal cost pressures this week, with MSC applying a $297 per 40ft Panama Canal surcharge from September 12 and CMA CGM levying a $500 per TEU 'Panama Canal Adjustment Factor.' The canal authority is cutting daily transits to 32 from September 15, down from 34 earlier in the month, and capping Neo-Panamax draft at 48.0 feet. US East Coast bound cargo faces further upward rate pressure into the Golden Week period as transit slots shrink.