International moves stack multiple cost layers. Knowing each line helps shippers negotiate, avoid invoice surprises, and choose carriers and routings that fit the real budget.
1. Base freight rate
The core charge to move cargo from origin to destination. It reflects distance, mode, weight or volume, equipment type, and market capacity.
2. Terminal handling (THC)
Port fees for loading, unloading, yard moves, and equipment at origin and destination. Often the first surcharge buyers miss in a headline rate.
3. Bunker adjustment (BAF)
Fuel-linked surcharge carriers use to offset bunker price swings. Route and carrier policy determine how often it resets.
4. Currency adjustment (CAF)
Applied on long routes or multi-currency contracts to hedge exchange exposure between quote and sailing dates.
5. Demurrage
Penalty when cargo stays in the terminal beyond free time - documentation, pickup, or customs delays are common triggers. Costs usually escalate daily.
6. Detention
Charge for keeping containers outside the terminal past free days. Demurrage is inside the gate; detention is outside.
7. Documentation & customs
BL issuance, manifests, declarations, inspections, and brokerage. Small line items that stack on every lane.
8. DG & peak season surcharges
Dangerous-goods handling fees and PSS during tight capacity windows can shift the total materially on the same lane.
9. Container imbalance
Repositioning charge when equipment flows are uneven between regions - frequent on one-way export-heavy trades.
Quote hygiene
Ask for all-in vs. plus-surcharge quotes and match liner terms before you compare.
Time risk
Model demurrage/detention when customs or inland legs are uncertain.
On LogiFindex
Structured offers surface fees side by side so teams benchmark faster.
Put charge clarity into live offers
References explain the vocabulary - LogiFindex helps you compare real carrier pricing with route context after sign-in.