Hapag-Lloyd has announced two new surcharges in response to the potential strike disruptions at East Coast and Gulf Coast U.S. ports. These surcharges, the Work Disruption Surcharge (WDS) and the Destination Port Work Disruption Surcharge (WID), will take effect on January 20, which is the fourth day after the potential strike begins. The timing of this date is notable, as January 20 is also the official inauguration day of the newly elected U.S. president, Donald Trump.
If no disruption occurs, these surcharges will be canceled. Hapag-Lloyd has stated that these fees will not apply to cargo that has already entered the ports or is en route prior to January 20. The fees for both WDS and WID are $850 per 20-foot container and $1,700 per 40-foot container. The WID applies to cargo shipped from the Far East to the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast, while the WDS applies to cargo from other origins to these destinations.
Hapag-Lloyd has indicated that these surcharges are intended to cover additional operational costs arising from labor disruptions, strikes, slowdowns, instability, congestion, and other unforeseen events, such as additional cargo handling, storage, and feeder services. It is expected that other shipping companies will also follow suit and introduce similar potential surcharges for work disruptions at East Coast U.S. ports.
Regarding holiday arrangements in Europe and the U.S., there is a notable difference between the two regions. In the U.S., Christmas and New Year holidays are typically treated separately, with many businesses observing public holidays on December 25 (Christmas Day) and January 1 (New Year’s Day). In contrast, European countries like Germany, France, and the Nordic countries often have extended holidays starting from Christmas Eve (December 24) and lasting until January 2 or later. This period is known as the “Holiday Season,” which is a time for family gatherings and relaxation. European companies tend to observe this longer holiday break, while U.S. businesses usually focus on work efficiency and only have the statutory holidays on December 25 and January 1, with additional time off depending on company policy.
This difference in holiday arrangements can impact logistics and transportation planning, especially during peak holiday seasons, and should be considered when making shipping or business decisions.
