GRI (General Rate Increase)

General Rate Increase (GRI) is a temporary surcharge imposed by shipping lines in international ocean freight on top of the base freight rate to address rising operating costs, increased market demand, or route adjustments. It typically applies to container shipping, especially on major routes such as Trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe. Use cases include peak season capacity tightness, rising fuel prices, or shipping lines proactively pushing up freight rates. Notes: GRI is not a fixed fee; shipping lines announce the effective date and amount in advance (e.g., USD 500 per FEU). Shippers need to confirm whether GRI is included at the time of booking and pay attention to the difference between GRI and PSS (Peak Season Surcharge) and BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor)—GRI is a general increase in the base rate, while PSS applies only to peak season and BAF only to fuel costs. Once GRI takes effect, it usually applies to all new bookings; confirmed bookings may not be affected. Foreign trade practitioners should closely monitor shipping line notices and specify in contracts which party bears GRI to avoid sudden cost increases.