Formerra introduces $350 shipping surcharge amid rising logistics costs

Formerra, a major distributor of high-performance materials, will add a shipping surcharge for deliveries. The new fee of $350 per shipment takes effect on 1 April 2026. The company supplies key industries like healthcare, consumer goods, and mobility with specialised materials. The decision comes as the freight and logistics sector grapples with rising costs. Over the past two years, US diesel prices have swung sharply due to geopolitical tensions, including the Ukraine conflict and disputes with Iran. While prices stabilised somewhat by early 2025, they remain high compared to pre-2022 levels. Since diesel fuels most trucking operations, these spikes have driven up transport expenses across the industry.

Other pressures include tighter transport capacity and evolving regulations. Industry analysts predict these challenges will continue, keeping operational costs elevated. Formerra's CEO, Tom Kelly, explained that the surcharge is essential to maintain reliable service amid ongoing sector changes. The fee aims to offset persistent financial strains in the Americas. By introducing this measure, the company seeks to safeguard service quality for its clients over the long term.

The $350 surcharge will apply to all deliveries from next April. Formerra's move reflects broader industry struggles with fuel costs, capacity limits, and regulatory shifts. Clients in sectors like healthcare and industrial manufacturing will see the adjustment in their shipping invoices.