Guide to Avoiding Excess Shipping Surcharges Internationally

Guide to Avoiding Excess Shipping Surcharges Internationally

This article delves into the causes, calculation methods, and avoidance strategies for demurrage and detention fees in international shipping. By understanding the starting standards and charging methods, and by taking measures such as reasonable allocation and selecting appropriate container types, companies can effectively reduce sea freight costs and increase profit margins. The analysis provides practical insights for businesses aiming to optimize their international shipping logistics and minimize unexpected expenses related to exceeding weight or size limits.

02/04/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Hidden Fees Plague Crossborder Ocean Freight Report Warns

Hidden Fees Plague Crossborder Ocean Freight Report Warns

Hidden fees in cross-border e-commerce FCL shipping quotes can significantly impact costs. These include charges like detention fees, special cargo handling fees, fumigation fees at the origin port; congestion surcharges, currency adjustment factors, and fuel surcharges during transit; and demurrage, customs clearance fees, and bill of lading fees at the destination port. This article delves into these hidden costs, helping cross-border e-commerce sellers effectively control their ocean freight expenses and improve cost management.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Maersk Upgrades Online Tool to Reduce Import Costs

Maersk Upgrades Online Tool to Reduce Import Costs

This article details the usage of Maersk's self-service tool for querying demurrage and detention charges, and provides an in-depth explanation of these concepts. The tool allows importers to easily track free container usage periods, effectively controlling logistics costs. Furthermore, the article offers suggestions for optimizing logistics costs, helping businesses improve operational efficiency. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing these charges to minimize expenses associated with container usage beyond the agreed-upon free time.

09/28/2025 Logistics
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Shipping Lines Face Rising Demurrage Fees Causes and Solutions

Shipping Lines Face Rising Demurrage Fees Causes and Solutions

This article provides a detailed overview of the reasons behind reshipment fees charged by shipping companies, identifies potential shipping companies that may levy these fees, outlines payment locations, and suggests effective strategies to avoid incurring them. The aim is to assist foreign trade enterprises in understanding and effectively addressing reshipment fee issues, thereby reducing export costs. It covers the origin, responsible parties, payment process, and preventative measures related to this fee within the context of foreign trade.

08/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Global Air Freight Faces Rising Demurrage and Delivery Fees

Global Air Freight Faces Rising Demurrage and Delivery Fees

Pick-up and delivery fees in international air freight are not mandatory but optional value-added services. This article delves into the nature and rationale behind these fees and how to avoid hidden charges, empowering you to take control in international air freight and effectively reduce logistics costs. It provides insights into understanding the intricacies of these services and making informed decisions to optimize your shipping budget.

02/03/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Shipping Industry Warns of Hidden Container Fees

Shipping Industry Warns of Hidden Container Fees

In international shipping, various surcharges related to containers, such as container detention charges, drop-off charges, and demurrage, are significant. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the reasons for these charges, their scope of application, and who bears the responsibility. It also offers suggestions for pre-entry and drop-off options, aiming to help shippers and freight forwarders plan ahead, avoid additional costs, and ensure smooth cargo transportation. Understanding these fees is crucial for efficient and cost-effective international shipping operations.

11/03/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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FMC Probes Container Shipping Delays As US Exports Lag

FMC Probes Container Shipping Delays As US Exports Lag

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) met with lawmakers to discuss alleged violations of the Shipping Act by ocean carriers. This stems from issues faced by U.S. exporters, including container shortages and detention and demurrage fees. The FMC is investigating these practices and may seek legislative support to strengthen regulation and modernize the Shipping Act. The focus is on ensuring fair practices within the container shipping industry and addressing concerns raised by American businesses regarding potential anti-competitive behavior and unfair charges.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Long Beach Port Extends Free Storage to Reduce Congestion

Long Beach Port Extends Free Storage to Reduce Congestion

The Port of Long Beach extended the free demurrage period for import containers to 7 days, aiming to alleviate port congestion caused by the holiday shopping season and larger vessels. This measure is expected to reduce detention charges for shippers, but chassis shortages remain a challenge. Port congestion impacts the supply chain, increasing costs and delaying deliveries. The Port of Long Beach is actively exploring solutions, such as upgrading the PierPass program, to improve operational efficiency and address global trade challenges.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Fee Disparities at Ningbo Shanghai Ports Prompt Forwarder Adjustments

Fee Disparities at Ningbo Shanghai Ports Prompt Forwarder Adjustments

This paper explores the differences in Detention and Demurrage (D&D) charge handling between Shanghai Port and Ningbo Port, and the challenges faced by freight forwarders as a result. The analysis delves into the reasons behind these discrepancies and proposes strategies for freight forwarders to cope with them. These strategies include understanding local regulations, strengthening communication with port authorities and shipping lines, and maintaining transparency with clients regarding potential D&D charges. Effectively managing these differences is crucial for minimizing costs and ensuring smooth cargo flow.

08/22/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ecommerce Firms Face Rising Customs Fees Seek Cost Strategies

Ecommerce Firms Face Rising Customs Fees Seek Cost Strategies

This article provides a detailed analysis of the various fees that may arise when international express deliveries are detained by customs, including customs duties and penalties, storage and demurrage fees, and customs clearance agency fees. It also proposes corresponding strategies for cross-border e-commerce sellers to help them minimize losses caused by detention and improve the efficiency of their cross-border business. The aim is to equip sellers with the knowledge to navigate customs issues effectively and reduce the financial impact of unexpected delays.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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