Global Shipping Costs Key Fees and Surcharges Explained

Global Shipping Costs Key Fees and Surcharges Explained

International shipping costs mainly consist of three core components: ocean freight, origin port charges, and destination port charges. Additional surcharges may apply in specific circumstances. This article provides a detailed analysis of the composition, calculation methods, and influencing factors of each cost component. It aims to help businesses better control expenses and optimize their logistics solutions by understanding these costs and their drivers.

Ocean Freight Rates Surge Amid Uschina Trade Strain

Ocean Freight Rates Surge Amid Uschina Trade Strain

The surge in China-US ocean freight rates stems from pandemic-induced supply-demand imbalances, leading to reduced shipping capacity, port congestion, and surging demand. This intensifies cost pressures on exporters, drives up consumer prices, and disrupts supply chains. Mitigation strategies include increasing shipping capacity, optimizing port operations, strengthening international cooperation, and promoting digital transformation to stabilize the global trade chain.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Enhancing Port Competitiveness in Container Transshipment Business

Enhancing Port Competitiveness in Container Transshipment Business

In recent years, port cities have regarded container transshipment as a key competitive advantage by enhancing economic and geographic conditions as well as both hardware and software facilities to attract transshipment cargo. Ports like Singapore and Hong Kong have become global transshipment hubs due to their unique advantages. The transshipment business not only increases port throughput but also promotes the long-term development of the ports.

07/21/2025 Logistics
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Challenges Faced by Publicly Listed Port Companies

Challenges Faced by Publicly Listed Port Companies

Multiple listed companies in the port industry have reported poor performance in their semi-annual reports. Rizhao Port experienced a 15.74% year-on-year decline in revenue and a 40% reduction in net profit. Xiamen Port saw a slight revenue drop, but its net profit, after excluding non-recurring gains and losses, plunged by 13.82%. Jinzhou Port is similarly challenged by low coal prices and a sharp decrease in grain turnover. These factors have severely impacted the operations and performance of port companies, raising concerns about the industry's outlook.

07/21/2025 Logistics
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Seattle Port Traffic Plummets Amid Uschina Tariffs

Seattle Port Traffic Plummets Amid Uschina Tariffs

With the implementation of a new round of tariff policies, Seattle Port now has no ships docking, highlighting a different aspect of being the second largest port in the United States. This poses severe challenges for importers, consumers, and the overall stability of the economy.

08/06/2025 Logistics
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Barcelona Port Debuts Green Ferry Power System

Barcelona Port Debuts Green Ferry Power System

Port of Barcelona has launched a new shore power supply system for ferries, providing 100% renewable energy for vessels connecting Barcelona to the Balearic Islands. This initiative aims to significantly reduce emissions from port activities and improve air quality. The project marks a significant advancement in sustainable shipping at the Port of Barcelona.

08/06/2025 Logistics
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Hamburg Port Faces Disruptions Amid Bridge Renovations

Hamburg Port Faces Disruptions Amid Bridge Renovations

The Hamburg Port Authority of Germany has announced multiple railway closures starting from August 2025 due to the renovation of the Finkenwerder Bridge, which will affect major container terminals at Hamburg Port. Additionally, there are plans for closures at northern ports, and shippers should arrange shipments in advance and pay attention to congestion at the ports.

07/30/2025 Logistics
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2025 Customs and Port Fee Changes Announced

2025 Customs and Port Fee Changes Announced

The latest announcement indicates that starting from August 1, 2025, port fees will increase at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and customs inspections are expected to intensify. There is an urgent need to address entry restrictions at multiple warehouses and issues related to Amazon appointments, as difficulties in container retrieval in some areas are exacerbating.

08/06/2025 Logistics
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Shanghais Yangshan Port Streamlines Goods Return Clearance

Shanghais Yangshan Port Streamlines Goods Return Clearance

This article provides an in-depth analysis of key aspects of returned goods clearance, focusing on import returns through Yangshan Port. It details the trade modes involved, required documents, customs clearance procedures, and important considerations. The importance of choosing a professional agent is emphasized, and key points for evaluating potential agents are provided. This aims to offer readers a comprehensive guide to import return agents at Yangshan Port, helping you efficiently complete the return process.

Shanghai Port Simplifies Customs and Shipping Procedures

Shanghai Port Simplifies Customs and Shipping Procedures

This article provides detailed answers to common issues encountered in freight forwarding and consolidation, specifically focusing on Shanghai port inspection, declaration of free-of-charge goods, VGM declaration, and bills of lading. It aims to assist freight forwarding professionals in better understanding and addressing various customs clearance challenges, ultimately ensuring the smooth passage of goods through customs. This includes practical guidance and explanations relevant to navigating the complexities of these processes.