The Rhine River is the main stream for delivering cargo from Europe's main sea ports to inland Europe with better freight rates through containers rather than trucks.

With less rainfall since March, the Rhine River water level went downward to kick off the surcharge of low water level in April, which boosted the cost of transportation for inland European countries, especially the cost to Duisburg and Cologne.

New announcement of the surcharge from Antwerp to Duisburg is EUR 45 per 20’ container and EUR 85 per 40’ container; from Antwerp to Cologne is EUR 65 per 20’ container and EUR 85 per 40’container.