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2026 South Korea Safe Freight Rate Notice
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Following the initial implementation of the Safe Freight Rate System in 2020 and the subsequent updates through 2022, the South Korean government has officially reinstated and updated the mandatory tariff for 2026 as attached. Under the direction of the new administration, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) announced Notice No. 2026-55 on January 30, 2026.

This regulation is nationwide and mandatory, applicable to all logistics providers operating within South Korea. Please review the following details to ensure alignment across our global network.
1. Key Regulations & Effective Period
  • Regulatory Framework: The system operates under a 3-year sunset provision, requiring annual rate updates to reflect current economic conditions.
  • Effective Date: February 1, 2026.
  • Validity: This tariff remains in effect through December 31, 2026.
2. Scope of Application
The mandated Safe Freight Rate System applies exclusively to the following categories transported by special-purpose vehicles:
  • Import/Export Container Transportation (FCL)
  • Cement Transportation
3. Impact on Lines of Business
  • FCL : The mandate is directly applicable. On average, the 2026 tariff reflects an approximate 15% increase over previous rates. However, please note that the exact percentage and fiscal impact will vary significantly based on specific transport regions, distances, and routes.
  • Air & LCL (LTL): While these segments are not legally bound by the new notice, and still the impact is limited and manageable. we anticipate a gradual market shift. The increase in FCL operating costs is expected to eventually influence the broader trucking market for Air and LCL shipments later on.
4. Commercial Guidelines & Action Plan
To maintain compliance and business continuity, JAS Korea is implementing the following:
  • Ongoing RFQs: All current and pending RFQs have already been adjusted to factor in the 2026 Safe Freight Rate projections.
  • Existing & Awarded Business: We are actively applying the new regulatory logic to adjust rates for all active and recently awarded accounts to ensure sustainable operations where possible.