Surcharges are intended to account for costs beyond the base transport rate. However, unclear charging arrangements can leave shippers facing additional fees they consider unreasonable.
What are surcharges?
Air freight surcharges are additional costs associated with moving goods from the departure airport to destination.
Concerns about unexpected air freight charges
Air freight is generally the most expensive transport mode discussed here, yet some providers request additional charges after shipment. The source highlights cases where a Vietnamese trader agrees a delivered-price arrangement but leaves carrier selection to its partner. Limited control over that choice can expose the business to unexpected fees, affecting operations through:
- Reduced profits or even a loss on the shipment if additional charges are excessive.
- A weaker competitive position compared with suppliers in other countries in the region.
The article criticizes what it sees as insufficient oversight and carrier-defined surcharges, arguing that unexpected fees create serious difficulties for importers and exporters.
Additional charges discussed for air freight
These charges sit outside the previously agreed base freight price and may be notified separately. Examples discussed for air transportationinclude:
Fuel surcharge (FSC/MYC)
A fuel-related amount generally calculated per kilogram, with the quoted rate varying by airline.
Security or war risk surcharge (SSC/SCC/XDC/WRC)
Charges related to security and war risk during transportation, described here as assessed per kilogram.
Air waybill fee (AWB)
A documentation charge for issuing the air waybill. The source quotes approximately US$3–15 per waybill, depending on the arrangement.
ENS, AMS, and electronic data processing fees (CG)
Fees associated with electronic shipment data submissions. The source discusses variations by destination region, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, with charges assessed per waybill.
Screening fee, or X-ray fee
A charge for airport cargo screening, calculated here on the shipment's gross weight.
Terminal Handling Charge (THC)
A charge for cargo handling at departure or arrival airports, based on gross weight in the source's description, with rates varying by airport.
Delivery order fee
A destination-side charge for issuing the release or delivery instruction to the consignee. The article describes it as assessed by the number of waybills.
Handling charge (HDL)
A charge collected by the freight service provider to cover systems, facilities, printing, and personnel at origin or destination airports. The source describes HDL as assessed per waybill.
The article warns that unclear surcharge arrangements can expose shippers to unexpected costs from air freight providers . Choose a reputable provider and specify the applicable surcharges in the transport contract or its appendix to reduce the risk of disputed additional fees.