The cost of sea transportation accounts for 15% -30% of the total cost of foreign trade, while implicit surcharges can consume 40% of profits. This article is based on the pricing data of the top 10 shipping companies worldwide, dismantling hidden charging traps and providing directly applicable bargaining strategies to help you squeeze out 10% -25% profit margins from the shipping process.
Full Analysis of Shipping Company Surcharges
(1) Fuel Surcharge (BAF)
Maersk: $480 per container
COSCO Shipping: $420 per container
Dafei: 510 USD/container
Avoidance: Unavoidable, but choosing COSCO Shipping or ONE (Ocean Network Express) can save $80-100 per container
(2) Low Sulfur Surcharge (LSF)
Maersk: $220 per container
COSCO Shipping: $180 per container
Dafei: $250 per container
Avoidance: Unavoidable, it is recommended to use the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2023 standard to reduce prices
(3) Port congestion charge (PCS)
West Coast Port (Los Angeles/Long Beach):
Maersk: $320 per container
COSCO Shipping: 280 USD/container
Dafei: $350 per container
Avoidance: Negotiable, switching to Seattle Port can reduce $150 per container
(4) Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)
Fourth quarter fee schedule:
Maersk: $600 per container
COSCO Shipping: $550 per container
Dafei: $620 per container
Avoidance: Can be cancelled by promising future orders in exchange for exemption
(5) Container Imbalance Charge (CIC)
Maersk: $150 per container
COSCO Shipping: $120 per container
Dafei: $180 per container
Avoidance: Exemption is available, with a commitment to apply for exemption for loading more than 60% of the goods on the return journey
Practical Template for Bargaining Language
- Negotiation of Fuel/Low Sulfur Surcharge
Script:
We found that MSC only charged $450 for BAF last month, and LSF should comply with the IMO 2023 standard of $200. Please recalculate the quotation, otherwise we will turn to a more transparent partner - Tips for Canceling Peak Season Surcharges
Script:
If your company waives PSS this time, we are willing to lock in 20 high container orders for Q1 next year in advance and prepay 50% of the deposit - Reduction or Exemption of Container Imbalance Fees
Script:
We have a cooperative warehouse in Chicago that can provide return shipments. If CIC is waived, we are willing to sign an agreement with a return loading capacity of ≥ 60%
Cost Reduction Cases
A company intends to export office stationery (20GP container) to the United States
Initial quotation: Shipping cost of $2800+surcharge of $1720=total cost of $4520
After optimization:
Change to Seattle Port to save $150
Sign a return cargo agreement to waive $120 CIC
Prepaid deposit to reduce PSS from $600 to $300
Final cost: $3950 (saving $570 per container)
Risk Warning
Implicit fee recognition
Request the freight forwarder to split the quotation and clearly list ‘Miscellaneous Fees’
Be cautious of DTHC (Terminal Handling Charges) at the destination port, as US ports typically charge an additional $200-350
Dispute Resolution
Keep email/chat records as evidence
Directly contacting the shipping company headquarters to file a complaint (more effective than pressuring the freight forwarder)