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Charge definitions
Plain-language definitions of more than twenty common surcharges and port fees, including BAF, THC, ISPS and documentation charges.
Overview
Plan with Port Tariffs & Surcharges
Port Tariffs & Surcharges explains the charges that commonly appear on ocean freight quotes and invoices, from bunker adjustment factors and terminal handling to security, documentation and equipment fees. Understanding them makes it easier to compare quotes and check invoices.
Many charges change with fuel prices, currency, port regulations or seasonal demand, and their names and calculation basis differ between carriers and countries. The glossary describes what each charge is for, what typically drives it and when it usually applies.
This page explains concepts rather than prices. For the charges that apply to a specific lane and service, request a quote — every Fast Safe Cargo quote lists included surcharges and local charges separately.
- Search or act using an accurate shipment or account reference.
- Review assumptions, planned dates and confirmed events distinctly.
- Share information only with authorised colleagues.
- Escalate exceptional cargo and time-critical decisions to FSC.
- Keep booking and transport documents as the governing record.
Charge glossary
Tool capability
Built for operational clarity
What you can do with Port Tariffs & Surcharges
A focused set of capabilities helps teams move from information to an appropriate next action.
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Cost drivers
Understand what drives each charge — fuel, currency, congestion, security or regulation — and why amounts vary over time.
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Local variation
See where names, applicability and calculation methods differ by country, port or carrier.
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Quote context
Learn which charges are typically included in freight and which are billed separately at origin or destination.
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Invoice review
Use the glossary to check invoice line items against your quote and identify charges that need clarification.
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Support escalation
If a charge is unclear, raise a query and our pricing or billing team will explain how it applies to your shipment.
Operational context
Common charge categories
- 92%
- FSC schedule reliability (2025)
- 24/7
- Portal access
- 180+
- Countries served
How it works
Using Port Tariffs & Surcharges
Follow these steps to use the tool responsibly and make the result actionable.
- 01
Identify the charge
Find the charge name or abbreviation on your quote or invoice.
- 02
Read the definition
Understand what it covers and what drives it.
- 03
Check applicability
See whether it applies at origin, destination or on the main leg.
- 04
Compare with your quote
Match invoice lines with charges listed on the quote.
- 05
Ask if unclear
Raise a query with the shipment reference for clarification.
Reference
Common surcharges and fees
Names, applicability and calculation basis vary by carrier, port, country and contract. This glossary describes concepts, not prices.
| Charge | Description | Typical driver | Scope note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAF | Bunker Adjustment Factor | Changes in marine fuel costs | May be route- or period-specific |
| CAF | Currency Adjustment Factor | Exchange-rate movements | Basis and currency vary |
| THC | Terminal Handling Charge | Terminal handling of equipment or cargo | Origin and destination charges may differ |
| PSS | Peak Season Surcharge | Seasonal demand and capacity pressure | Applied only where notified |
| ISPS | Security-related charge | Port and vessel security measures | Local implementation varies |
| LSS | Low Sulphur Surcharge | Fuel compliance and lower-sulphur fuels | Market terminology can vary |
| EBS | Emergency Bunker Surcharge | Exceptional fuel-cost movements | May be introduced or withdrawn |
| Documentation fee | Processing or issuing transport documents | Document preparation and administration | Service and document dependent |
In operation
Connected logistics information
FSC digital tools support better coordination across transport and customer workflows. Access and available content depend on account permissions, route and operational data sources.
Connected logistics information
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can't find what you're looking for? Our specialists are available around the clock.
Contact our teamThe Bunker Adjustment Factor reflects changes in marine fuel costs. It is usually reviewed periodically and may vary by trade lane.
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Need help with your shipment?
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