Holiday Surcharge

Holiday Surcharge is a common additional fee in international logistics and trade, referring to a temporary surcharge imposed by carriers (shipping lines, airlines, express companies, etc.) on shippers during statutory holidays or traditional peak seasons (such as Spring Festival, Christmas, National Day, etc.) due to labor shortages, rising operating costs, or port congestion. It is commonly used in quotations or bills of lading for sea, air, and express freight, usually charged per shipment, per kilogram, or per container, and is not included in the base freight. Note: Shippers should confirm in advance the start and end dates, charging standards, and whether the surcharge is negotiable to avoid a sudden cost increase when shipping during holidays; also distinguish it from regular surcharges such as Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) and Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF), as the holiday surcharge is more time-sensitive and sudden. Unlike general surcharges, it is often announced one to two weeks before the holiday, and standards vary greatly among carriers, so it is advisable to specify in the contract who bears the cost.