Maritime Freight Briefing: Fuel Surcharge Scrutiny and Domestic Terminal Expansion

## Maritime Freight Briefing ### Shippers Warned to Audit Emergency Fuel Surcharges Ocean shippers may be unknowingly overpaying for fuel costs, according to a FreightWaves analysis, as the layering of emergency bunker surcharges on top of standard fuel adjustment mechanisms has created conditions ripe for double-billing. The issue stems from surcharges introduced by ocean carriers during the period of heightened tensions surrounding the Iran conflict. Carriers implemented emergency bunker adjustment factors (BAFs) as a supplementary measure to existing fuel cost recovery mechanisms — a move that, while individually justifiable, may have resulted in shippers absorbing duplicate charges for the same underlying fuel price movements. FreightWaves reports that the current environment warrants a thorough contract and invoice review, particularly for shippers operating under long-term service agreements that predate the emergency surcharge introductions. Industry analysts recommend that logistics and procurement teams cross-reference standard BAF schedules against any emergency fuel line items to identify potential overlaps. The issue underscores a broader challenge in ocean freight contracting: the proliferation of surcharge categories can obscure the true cost of shipment and reduce pricing transparency. As fuel markets stabilize, shippers are advised to engage carriers directly to renegotiate or remove emergency surcharges that may no longer reflect current market conditions. --- ### Saia Extends Terminal Expansion Streak Into Third Consecutive Month On the domestic freight side, less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier Saia has opened two additional terminals in the Midwest, marking the third consecutive month the carrier has added new facilities, according to FreightWaves. The continued expansion reflects Saia's strategic push to deepen its national network footprint and capture market share in a competitive LTL landscape. New terminal openings in successive months signal a deliberate and well-resourced growth programme rather than opportunistic one-off additions. For shippers relying on domestic intermodal and LTL services — including those moving cargo from port to inland distribution points — expanded carrier networks can translate to improved transit times, greater capacity availability, and enhanced service reliability in previously underserved corridors. Saia's expansion comes as the broader LTL sector continues to consolidate and invest following the high-profile exit of Yellow Corporation from the market in 2023, which freed up significant terminal infrastructure and customer volumes across the industry. --- *Sources: FreightWaves. This briefing covers freight and logistics developments relevant to maritime supply chain professionals.*