Ocean Freight Surcharges
CFS Surcharge (Container Freight Station Charge)
CFS (Container Freight Station Charge): Charges for LCL cargo handling at freight stations.
- Code
- CFS
- Name
- Container Freight Station Charge
- Typical range
- $15-$50 per revenue ton
- Routes
- All LCL ocean routes
Container Freight Station (CFS) Charge is applied for Less than Container Load (LCL) cargo that must be consolidated with other shipments or deconsolidated at a CFS facility. This fee covers the handling, storage, and processing of cargo that doesn't fill an entire container.
CFS services include: • At Origin (CFS-CFS or CFS-CY): • Receiving individual cargo pieces • Warehousing until consolidation • Loading cargo into shared containers • Marking and labeling • Documentation
- At Destination (CY-CFS or CFS-CFS): • Stripping (unloading) containers • Sorting cargo by consignee • Storage until pickup • Cargo inspection coordination • Release processing
CFS charges are higher per CBM than FCL per-container rates because of the additional handling involved. The fee is usually quoted per: • Revenue ton (W/M - weight or measure, whichever is greater) • CBM (cubic meter)
CFS operations are performed by the carrier, freight forwarder, or third-party CFS operators.
When CFS applies
LCL shipments that require consolidation or deconsolidation.
Who pays CFS under common Incoterms
- FOB: negotiable
- CIF: negotiable
- EXW: buyer
- DAP: seller
How to minimize CFS
- Ship FCL when volume justifies it
- Consolidate multiple LCL shipments
- Negotiate CFS rates for regular shipments
- Use door-to-door LCL services for simplicity
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Frequently asked questions
What is the CFS surcharge?
CFS stands for Container Freight Station Charge. Charges for LCL cargo handling at freight stations.
When does CFS apply?
LCL shipments that require consolidation or deconsolidation.
How much is CFS?
The typical range is $15-$50 per revenue ton. Confirm the current amount with your carrier or forwarder.