{"id":503973,"date":"2026-08-11T00:18:26","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T14:18:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.railfreight.com\/?p=73371"},"modified":"2026-08-11T00:18:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T14:18:26","slug":"low-water-on-the-rhine-msc-to-introduce-truck-rail-and-rail-truck-surcharges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=503973","title":{"rendered":"Low-water on the Rhine: MSC to introduce truck, rail and rail-truck surcharges"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shipping giant MSC announced the introduction of \u2018traffic congestion surcharges\u2019 for rail, trucking, and rail-truck transport. It affects services from\/to Antwerp and Rotterdam via Andernach, Frankfurt, Germersheim Munich, Nurnberg, Neuss, Strasbourg, Trier, and Woerth.<\/strong>
\n<\/span>\u201cWater levels have fallen to such an extent that barge transportation from Rhine-connected inland terminals has become extremely restricted and, in many cases, no longer possible at all, the Switzerland-based group told customers.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe low water situation in Europe has led to significant transport capacity reduction in the hinterland market, causing more pressure on alternative routings via rail and truck. \u201dThe surcharges are set to apply from 20 August and will be levied at \u20ac44 per container being moved by truck for all origins and destinations, with rail and rail-truck surcharges of \u20ac50 per container for loads to and from Germany and Alsace.<\/p>\n

Historic lows<\/h2>\n

At the start of the month, MSC informed customers that it had taken a number of measures to ensure continuity of operations amid worsening drought conditions. It included offering a range of alternative modes, with rail capacity available on routes linked to Athus, Strasbourg, Woerth, Germersheim, Frankfurt, and Trier, and dedicated trucking for urgent or time-sensitive shipments.<\/p>\n