Space Restriction - MSC Diamond Tier

14 hours ago

2 min read

Dear Valued Client

As we continue to navigate this very impactful and damaging season which includes serious booking / space constraints, significant delays in transit, and berthing delays, it is critical that we keep all clients updated relative to options. This communication notifies you of MSC’s Diamond Tier service. Whilst this solution is unpalatable to many for very obvious reasons, it is nevertheless available and so we share the same with you. We have checked with other lines and to this point none have implemented a similar system, but our sense is that others will follow in due course.

The Diamond Tier service offers added value service which includes priority space release for extra cost – Current Diamond Tier rates carry an extra cost above current published rates of US$ 2075 per 20ft and US$ 2775 per 40ft. All cargo paying this extra cost will be given priority in space release.

MSC publish the following add service and clauses associated with these Diamond Tier rates.

Rates valid from 01/10/2026 proforma sailing schedule till the 14/10/2026

Subject to below clauses , conditions and penalties if cancelled

Rates are not subj to GFS but subj to CGS, CDD, PSS, PAD, locals and other surcharges if any

(a) Priority equipment release at origin ports

(b) Fast Track during the loading process onto vessels

(c) Fixed allocation

(d) Flagged shipments with special tracking

Bookings to be placed at least 7 days before ETA of the vessels (proforma schedule) and Diamond Tier must be selected at time of booking

Cancellation clause : For all shipments booked under Diamond Tier, the Merchant won’t be able to cancel the service as soon as he has already benefited from one of the services features .

If the Merchant has already pick-up his container, the service will be invoice and must be paid. In case of NO SHOW, we will charge $500/ctr (if no container picked up or if number of containers picked up reduced vs. booked)

The offer of Diamond Tier is from ALL POLs subj to equipment availability (to be cross checked with POL).

Whilst we appreciate that these significant extra costs are in many cases impossible to wear on top of already increase freight rates, we must advise you this is available for consideration. Any use of the tariff has to be registered by SCT with MSC so it is important that SCT team have a definitive decision to execute under these conditions as far in advance as possible but no later than 8 days prior to vessels ETA. If you would like confirmation of the all-in rate using the Diamond Tier service, please request the same from us and we will gladly provide.