Maersk adds 12% fuel surcharge on Costa Rica intermodal routes

Maersk has announced a 12 percent fuel surcharge on intermodal transport services in Costa Rica, representing a notable cost increase for shippers moving cargo through Central America. This surcharge applies to the movement of goods via multiple transport modes (typically truck-rail or truck-ocean combinations) and reflects broader industry pressures on fuel-related expenses in the region. For supply chain professionals managing operations in or through Costa Rica, this development signals rising transportation costs that will flow through to landed prices.

Shippers should anticipate margin compression unless they can negotiate volume-based exemptions or adjust their routing strategies. The move is consistent with industry trends where carriers pass fuel cost volatility to customers, though the timing and magnitude warrant review of current freight contracts and spot-market alternatives. Companies with high intermodal volumes in Central America should assess whether consolidation strategies, alternative carriers, or modal shifts (e.g., ocean-only routing) could offset the new surcharge.

Regional supply chain teams should also monitor whether other major carriers follow Maersk's lead, which could indicate a broader market shift in Costa Rica pricing.