CMA CGM Will Raise Shipping Rates to US East Coast
Importers from the Mediterranean and North Africa will face higher container fees starting in November.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Transportation
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Beginning November 1, 2026, carrier CMA CGM will implement a Rate Restoration Initiative for all cargo shipments, excluding OOG, arriving at the US East Coast. This adjustment affects tariff and service contract rates for shippers originating from the East Mediterranean, Black Sea, Adriatic, and North Africa.
Why it matters
This rate hike increases landed costs for businesses sourcing goods from these regions, forcing operators to adjust their procurement budgets or shipping strategies. Because the increase applies to both tariff and existing service contract rates, logistics managers should account for these rising overheads immediately.
The initiative imposes an increase of USD 750 for 20' containers and USD 1,500 for 40' or 45' units from Türkiye, while other Mediterranean, Black Sea, Adriatic, and North Africa regions face USD 500 and USD 1,000 hikes, respectively.
The players
CMA CGM
A global shipping and logistics leader that operates a vast container fleet connecting major international ports.
The details
The rate restoration applies broadly across major container sizes, including 20', 40', 40' High Cube, and 45' units. Because the policy encompasses both standard tariff rates and pre-negotiated service contracts, it effectively shifts the cost burden onto the cargo owner regardless of current contract status. The only category explicitly excluded from these new fees is out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo.
Timeline
The rate restoration initiative takes effect on November 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the standard pattern of a General Rate Increase, a common industry tool used by carriers to adjust revenue per container. It reflects the ongoing volatility in transoceanic freight pricing that characterizes the current global logistics environment.
Logistics managers should immediately calculate the impact of these container-specific surcharges on their landed cost for Q4 shipments. Review current service contract terms to confirm how this restoration specifically interacts with your existing volume commitments and pricing floor.
The takeaway
Operators should treat this as a signal to re-verify all Q4 logistics budgets against new carrier surcharges. Monitor your bill of lading and service invoices closely starting in November to ensure these increases are applied according to the specific origin-point tier.
Further reading
For more on how global freight markets impact operations, see the Transportation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by American Journal of Transportation | AJOT | 1-800-599-6358.
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