1. Total Container Shipping Cost = Four Major Components
Total Shipping Cost per Shipment =
① Basic Ocean Freight
+ ② Various Surcharges
+ ③ Origin Local Charges
+ ④ Destination Local Charges
2. Detailed Breakdown of Each Component
① Basic Ocean Freight
| Charging Method | Applicable Scope | Calculation Method |
| FCL (Full Container Load) | One flat rate per container | Quoted by container type (20GP/40GP/40HQ) |
| LCL (Less than Container Load) | Less than one full container | Based on Revenue Ton (RT): the greater of weight or volume |
Basic ocean freight is dynamically adjusted by shipping lines based on market supply and demand. The SCFI (Shanghai Containerized Freight Index) is the core reference indicator reflecting market conditions.
② Surcharges
| Surcharge | Reason for Charge | Pricing Logic |
| BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) | Covers fuel cost volatility | Linked to oil prices; adjusted monthly |
| CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor) | Covers exchange rate fluctuation costs | Calculated as a percentage of freight |
| PSS (Peak Season Surcharge) | Space shortage during peak season | Temporary seasonal surcharge |
| THC (Terminal Handling Charge) | Terminal loading/unloading operational costs | Standardized rates per port |
③ Origin Local Charges
| Charge Item | Charged By | Reference Amount |
| THC (Origin) | Terminal | ¥550–850 / 20GP |
| Documentation Fee | Carrier / Forwarder | ¥300–500 |
| Booking Fee | Carrier | ¥200–400 |
| Seal Fee | Terminal | ¥25–50 |
| Customs Brokerage Fee | Customs Broker | ¥200–400 |
④ Destination Local Charges
| Charge Item | Charged By | Reference Amount |
| DTHC (Destination THC) | Destination Terminal | $150–500 / container |
| Documentation Fee | Carrier's Agent | $50–100 |
| Bill Surrender Fee | Carrier | $50–150 |
| Customs Clearance Fee | Customs Broker | $100–300 |
3. Cost Example
| Charge Item | Amount | Percentage |
| Basic Ocean Freight (40HQ Shenzhen → Hamburg) | $2,800 | 77% |
| BAF | $250 | 7% |
| THC (Origin) | ¥700 | — |
| Documentation Fee | ¥400 | — |
| Customs Brokerage Fee | ¥250 | — |
| DTHC (Port of Hamburg) | €250 | — |
| Total Cost | ≈$3,200 | 100% |
Note: The above costs are illustrative examples. Actual amounts vary based on market freight rates, trade routes, seasonality, and other factors. Please consult your freight forwarder for real-time quotations.
Data Note: Cost references are general industry benchmarks. Local charges such as THC and documentation fees may differ by port; actual costs are subject to the quotation provided by the carrier or forwarder. Data current as of July 2026.
Need a real-time freight quotation? Contact us.Freight Rate Inquiry: info@zhbfwl.com
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