Maersk sets USD 400 heavy-load surcharge for Malaysia–North Europe cargo

Maersk has set a USD 400 Heavy Load Surcharge for covered 20-foot equipment above 28 metric tons Verified Gross Mass (VGM) on its Far East Asia-to-North Europe trade. Malaysia is explicitly included among the affected origins, with a price calculation date of 30 September 2026.

What the surcharge covers

The carrier says the charge applies when covered 20-foot equipment exceeds 28 metric tons VGM. Listed equipment includes dry containers, open tops, flat racks, tanks and reefers. The stated scope includes Ocean contract products, SPOT and Maersk Go.

What Malaysian shippers should check

For dense cargo, confirm expected VGM before confirming bookings and include any applicable surcharge in quotations and shipment costing. The charge is not described as applying to every Malaysia-to-Europe container: it depends on Maersk's stated trade scope, equipment and VGM threshold.

Plan return-leg capacity alongside shipment costs

For road movements connected to export cargo, Backhaul Connect helps Malaysian shippers and transporters explore available return-leg capacity.