Is There a Hidden Cost in Your Freight Quote?

What's included in quotes? | Two main reasons for increasing costs | Special notices

When using our online freight calculator, it’s essential to understand what is — and isn’t — included in your international shipping cost.

The quote you receive is based on the weight and measurements (W/M) you provide during booking, as well as the services you select. However, your final invoice is calculated based on what is actually shipped, not what was estimated to ship.

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Understanding How CFS Operates

A CFS (Container Freight Station) is a bonded freight terminal regulated by Customs.

In LCL (Less-than-Container Load), sea freight means cargo transportation between designated CFSs in the origin and destination countries.

These facilities serve as secure hubs for cargo consolidation and deconsolidation. It may be located near a seaport or in a landlocked city, and it is not considered part of a country's commercial zone until Customs officially clears the cargo.

Here's how it works in simple terms:

Core Functions

• Consolidation Hub
• Group multiple LCL shipments into full container loads for ocean transport
• Breaks down arriving containers into individual shipments

Customs Control Point

• Operates under bond (goods aren't "imported" until customs are cleared)
• Processes documentation for cargo entering/leaving the country

Inland Logistics Link

• Located at ports or inland cities (serving landlocked regions)
• Connects sea transport with trucks/rail for final delivery

Key Features:

• Not a seaport (though often near ports)
• Temporary storage while awaiting customs clearance or transport
• Security with 24/7 monitoring and customs supervision

Example Workflow

At origin:

• Exporter delivers goods to the origin CFS
• CFS combines with other shipments → loads a container

After ocean transit, destination CFS:

• Unpacks container
• Holds goods until customs clearance
• Releases to the consignee

This system enables cost-effective international shipping via Less Than Container Load (LCL) while maintaining customs compliance.

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What’s Included in Your Online Quote?

In LCL, sea freight refers to the transportation of cargo between Container Freight Stations (CFSs) at the origin and destination.

❗ IMPORTANT: All imports, regardless of transportation mode or international shipping company you use, are subject to destination charges. These charges, sometimes referred to as local charges, are incurred at the destination and are not included in freight charges.

Here is what is included in the price quote obtained with our online freight calculator:

• Packing and labeling – NOT INCLUDED
• U.S. domestic ground transportation to an ocean freight terminal (CFS) – DEPENDING ON SERVICE REQUESTED
• U.S. Customs formalities* and the origin THC (Terminal Handling Charges) - INCLUDED
• International ocean freight between CFSs - INCLUDED
• Destination (local) charges (sometimes called "local charges:" Customs, THC, Cargo release, etc.) – NOT INCLUDED
• Cost of delivery "to the door" of the consignee (recipient) - NOT INCLUDED

*Unless subject to special U.S. export regulations.

These items are frequently misunderstood and may feel like “hidden costs,” but they are standard exclusions across the global cargo transportation industry.
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Two Common Reasons Why Your Final Cost May Increase

We always encourage first-time shippers to read this before booking. The most common reasons for a higher-than-expected price are:

#1. Palletizing

If your cargo includes more than three loose boxes or small items, it will likely require palletizing at the origin CFS.

Unless you quote an exact dimensions and weight of ready-to-ship pallet(s) or crate(s), palletizing is:

• Adds handling and material charges
• Increases your chargeable volume
• If you ship more than 10 boxes, CFS may charge for labor per hour

A larger volume results in a higher final price.

#2. Destination (Local) Charges

Regardless of the mode of transportation and the international shipping company you deal with, all imports are subject to destination charges. Destination charges, also referred to as local charges, are incurred at the destination. Therefore, they are not considered freight charges. They include:

• Cargo deconsolidation and destination country. Terminal handling charges (THC)
• Customs clearance fees
• Cargo release and documentation workflow
• Additional inspections, if applicable

U.S.-based international shipping companies do not control these charges, which vary by destination countries.

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Special Notes for shipping to/via countries of the European Union

Exporting from the United States to or via countries of the European Union is subject to the ENS (Entry Summary Declaration), an advanced filing system that the European Union has made mandatory for all imports to the EU.

Shippers can file ENS and provide a valid EORI and MRN numbers, or they can allow the carrier to file ENS on their behalf by providing the consignee's EORI number.
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Special Notes for Oceania (Australia, New Zealand)

If you ship to Oceania, you must also account for seasonal fumigation charges during the BMSB season (Brown Marmorated Stink Bug). This cost is mandatory and enforced by Australian and New Zealand biosecurity regulations. It is an example of a fee that is not included in your initial U.S. quote.
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Final Thoughts

The more accurate the information you provide in our online calculator, the more reliable your initial quote will be. However, your final invoice may still differ due to changes in cargo dimensions and other fees, such as palletization, fumigation, and destination-specific fees.

As a professional international shipping company, we aim for transparency. That’s why we break down what’s included in your quote and what to expect later, so there are no surprises.

Have questions? We’re here to help clarify.