Key Freight Additional Charges in International Maritime Shipping Knowledge Sharing

Common Freight and Miscellaneous Fees in International Shipping A Knowledge Sharing of Dry International Shipping

In international trade, international shipping is one of the important ways of cargo transportation. Whether it's bulk raw materials or consumer goods, many products need to be transported across borders through shipping. However, for those who are new to international logistics, freight charges are often a complex issue. This article will detail the common freight and miscellaneous fees in international shipping, helping readers better understand the basic knowledge in this field.

First, let's look at the composition of basic freight. In international shipping, freight is usually calculated by the carrier based on the weight or volume of the goods. The two most common billing units are one is by weight ton Weight Ton, i.e., per metric ton; the other is by measurement ton Measurement Ton, i.e., per cubic meter. The carrier will clearly state which billing standard is used when quoting prices. Freight will also be affected by routes, schedules, and market supply and demand conditions. For example, due to port congestion, the freight for some popular routes may rise significantly recently.

Besides the basic freight, there are also some additional fees to consider. For instance, bunker adjustment factor BAF is a relatively common charge item in recent years. With fluctuations in international oil prices, many shipping companies adjust this surcharge according to changes in fuel prices. Another fee called port congestion surcharge PSS will be charged by carriers when a port is unable to handle the backlog of goods in time due to severe accumulation, in order to offset operating costs.

Moreover, different countries and regions impose customs duties and other taxes on import and export goods, which will affect the final cost. These fees are usually paid by the importer, but exporters sometimes also need to understand relevant regulations in advance to provide accurate information to customers. For example, the EU recently implemented a new VAT policy, requiring all small items imported from non-EU member states to pay VAT. This not only increases the complexity of cross-border trade but may also indirectly affect related shipping costs.

For enterprises that want to reduce transportation costs, optimizing packaging strategies is also an effective means. Reasonable packaging can not only reduce the risk of damage to goods, but also improve loading efficiency, thus reducing unit freight. For example, some large mechanical equipment can be transported in smaller parts through modular design, which can save space and avoid high over-limit transportation costs.

It is worth mentioning that with the development of e-commerce, more and more small packages are sent through international express channels. Although this method is faster, for large quantities of goods, choosing traditional shipping methods is actually more economical. According to a well-known logistics company, the number of sea containers booked through its platform has increased by about 20% year-on-year, showing that more and more enterprises are beginning to attach importance to shipping as a mainstream transportation mode.

Finally, to cope with the increasingly complex international logistics environment, enterprises should establish a sound supply chain management system. This includes but is not limited to regularly evaluating supplier performance, monitoring market price dynamics, and strengthening cooperation with professional freight forwarders. Only in this way can efficient operations be ensured throughout the supply chain and costs be controlled to the maximum extent.

In summary, international shipping involves various types of fees, covering multiple aspects from basic freight to various surcharges. For enterprises that want to participate in global trade, fully understanding these fee structures is crucial. Meanwhile, with technological progress and market demand changes, more innovative solutions will emerge in the future international shipping field, helping enterprises expand their businesses globally.