The additional charge applies to road, rail and barge legs of container shipments, with rates varying by country and transport mode
The Surcharge Covers the Inland Leg
CMA CGM has updated its Inland Emergency Fuel Surcharge, or IEFS, citing higher diesel costs and continuing volatility across international energy markets.
In this context, “inland transport” does not mean every domestic shipment. It refers to the pre-carriage or on-carriage leg arranged in connection with an ocean freight booking, including container transport from the shipper’s premises to the port or from the discharge port to the final consignee.
The surcharge may apply to road haulage, rail services, combined road-rail transport and, in some countries, inland barges.
European Rates Reach 16%
Most of the revised European rates took effect on August 10, 2026. According to the official CMA CGM advisory, the IEFS varies significantly between markets:
- Poland — 16% of the road transport rate and 7% for combined road-rail services;
- Spain — 12% for road transport and 6% for rail and combined services;
- Germany — 10% for road transport and €40 per container for combined road-rail movements;
- France — 8% for trucking, 1% for road-rail transport and 5% for barge services;
- Italy — 7% for road and combined transport;
- Belgium and the Netherlands — 6% for road and combined services and 9% for barge transport;
- Croatia and Slovenia — 8% for road transport.
In Portugal, the surcharge is set at 10% of the road transport rate. Romania introduced a new IEFS level on August 15, although customers are being advised to obtain the applicable amount from their local CMA CGM office.
For exports, application is generally based on the departure date from Europe. For imports, it is based on the date when the container is discharged at the European port.
Charges Can Be Higher Outside Europe
The measure is not limited to Europe. In South Africa, for example, the IEFS reached 21.2% of the base transport rate on August 6.
A different structure applies in the United States and Canada. Charges depend on whether the container moves entirely by road or uses a combined rail or barge service. On certain routes, the surcharge ranges from $100 to $200 per container.
CMA CGM says that the IEFS remains subject to periodic review as fuel-market conditions change.
“CMA CGM remains committed to maintaining reliable inland service continuity despite ongoing volatility in fuel markets”
Door-to-Door Costs Could Rise Significantly
The strongest impact will be felt by customers purchasing door-to-door logistics services. Under these arrangements, the carrier manages both the ocean voyage and the inland road or rail connection.
If the underlying road transport rate in Poland is €2,000, for example, a 16% surcharge would add €320 per container. A shipment of 40 containers could therefore generate €12,800 in additional costs.
The actual amount will depend on the route, transport mode, contract conditions and whether fuel adjustments were already included in the quoted price. CMA CGM may apply a separate calculation mechanism to all-in products combining ocean and inland services.
Higher inland costs may consequently affect freight-forwarding charges, import expenses and the final price of goods. Long-distance movements between remote inland terminals and seaports will be particularly exposed.
A Separate Low-Water Surcharge Applies on the Rhine
The IEFS should not be confused with low-water charges. CMA CGM is also applying a Low Water Surcharge on the Rhine because reduced river depth limits barge payloads and may require additional vessels or a transfer of containers to rail and road.
Under the carrier’s updated Rhine surcharge schedule, charges on certain sections can reach €1,075 for a loaded 20-foot container and €1,280 for a 40-foot container. If water levels decline further, barge services may be suspended and alternative transport prices will be determined individually.
A single shipment could therefore face both a fuel surcharge and a low-water surcharge when the route and contract allow both charges to be applied.
What Shippers Should Check
Before confirming a booking, cargo owners should request a complete price breakdown and verify:
- whether the IEFS is already included in the quotation;
- which transport mode will be used for the inland leg;
- which date determines the applicable surcharge;
- whether low-water or terminal charges may also apply;
- which party bears the cost under the relevant Incoterms;
- whether the price can be revised after booking.
The updated IEFS demonstrates that total container logistics costs are increasingly determined by more than the ocean freight rate. Fuel prices, river conditions, rail capacity and road-haulage expenses are becoming separate and less predictable components of the final transport bill.
Read also: Container Freight Rates Reach Their Highest Level in 18 Months
