The relationship between ocean carriers and their cargo-owning customers is rapidly deteriorating. Over the past several weeks, major container lines including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd have announced a wave of emergency bunker surcharges, citing the Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But instead of accepting the added costs quietly, frustrated shippers are doing something different: they're openly questioning whether these fees are legitimate at all.
"Singapore has the biggest stocks of bunkers in the world. So why are the shipping lines charging these exorbitant surcharges? It makes absolutely no sense," a senior executive at a major retailer told The Loadstar last week. The same executive questioned whether inventories at other major bunkering hubs like Rotterdam and Shanghai had actually declined enough to warrant emergency pricing.
For many cargo owners, the real problem isn't just the cost-it's the lack of transparency. One shipper put it bluntly: "What's going on exactly? It feels like I'm paying maybe for other trades. Trust has gone on fuel prices. Ultimately, as far as I'm concerned, there's not been an availability issue".
The mounting frustration has reached regulators as well. The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has repeatedly rejected requests from Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM to waive the mandatory 30-day waiting period for implementing emergency fuel surcharges, ruling that carriers had clear visibility that war risk could increase fuel costs before locking in their 2026 positions. FMC Chair Laura DiBella noted that while she is sympathetic to carriers' needs to absorb costs, shippers are facing the same concerns, and liners should have been better prepared.
The 'Double Dipping' Problem
Even more troubling for shippers is the practice of "double dipping"-where carriers attempt to apply emergency bunker surcharges on top of index-linked contracts that already include all surcharges in the base rate. Law firm HFW has warned that mismatches between how different indices account for fuel costs can create ambiguity and unintended exposure for shippers. One freight forwarder recalled a similar situation in 2017-2018: "They did back down, only after more than a month of charging it".
Small and mid-sized shippers are feeling the pressure most acutely. With trans-Pacific service contract talks bogged down by carriers' differing approaches to surcharges, many customers say any delay could force them to ship under costlier spot rates. Some carriers have reportedly demanded open-ended emergency bunker surcharges with no exit clause, leaving shippers with little leverage.
Amid the Chaos, a Different Approach
Against this backdrop of confusion and mistrust, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: shippers are hungry for clarity. And that's precisely where companies like XMAE Logistics-a IATA, FIATA, FMC, and NVOCC-approved freight forwarder based in Xiamen-are stepping in to fill the gap.
Why XMAE Logistics Stands Out
- Transparent, Itemized Pricing. At XMAE Logistics, we've been breaking down freight costs into clear, understandable components long before fuel surcharges became a headline issue. Whether it's ocean freight, air cargo, rail, or door to door shipments, our quotes come with a full breakdown: base freight charge, current fuel surcharge (FSC) with its applicable rate, security surcharge, handling fees at both origin and destination, and customs brokerage fees if applicable. No hidden surprises. Just honest, upfront pricing that helps you budget with confidence.
- Over 100 Global Agents, One Point of Contact. With a network of more than 100 overseas agents worldwide, we handle airfreight, ocean freight, courier, customs clearance, warehousing, and project & break bulk shipments. And you don't have to chase multiple parties. Every shipment gets a dedicated coordinator who knows your history, your pain points, and your deadlines. One call solves it.
- End-to-End Visibility (Like Tracking Your Takeout). At XMAE Logistics, we provide online tracking for your shipments-so you always know exactly where your cargo is, without the frantic phone calls. Real-time visibility means less stress and more control over your supply chain.
- Regional Expertise, Global Reach. Headquartered in Xiamen-one of China's busiest global ports-we have deep, firsthand knowledge of Asia-Pacific trade lanes and regulations, giving importers and exporters a significant advantage in this critical region. From the U.S. to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, we deliver your goods reliably and cost effectively.
- A Trusted Partner, Not Just a Vendor. In an industry where trust in fuel pricing has eroded, XMAE Logistics operates with a commitment to professionalism, honesty, and sincerity. We don't apply fees "just because." We explain every charge, answer every question, and work as a true partner to optimize your logistics costs and keep your supply chain moving-even when the market is chaotic.
- Stop Guessing. Start Shipping Smarter.
Fuel surcharges aren't going away, but you don't have to navigate the confusion alone. Whether you're shipping full container loads, consolidating LCL shipments, or need fast air freight, get a free, transparent quote from XMAE Logistics today. Let us show you what honest freight forwarding looks like-no smoke and mirrors, just reliable logistics from one trusted partner.
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