Shippers face many charges beyond the main freight rate. Container cleaning fees are one example that can cause frustration when the scope and basis of the charge are unclear.
What is a container cleaning fee?
A container cleaning fee is a charge for cleaning the equipment after use.
Cleaning helps protect cargo quality. Residues can contaminate the next shipment, and odors can transfer to goods enclosed inside the container. Proper cleaning is therefore important.
The shipping line arranges cleaning and charges the cargo owner or party hiring the equipment.
Read more: Containers Explained: Common Types Used in Logistics
Concerns about container cleaning fees
Although cleaning is necessary, container cleaning fees can raise several concerns for shippers and chartering customers.
Potentially paying twice
The source describes shippers being charged when collecting an empty container, then charged again if it is dirty or odorous on return. Customers may consider this unreasonable where an initial cleaning fee has already been paid and ordinary use inevitably leaves some residue.
Inclusion in customs value
The article cites Official Letter No. 1237/TCHQ-TXNK and Articles 5, 6, and 13 of Circular No. 39/2015/TT-BTC, describing cleaning fees as an addition to customs value because they relate to transportation. It distinguishes these from the unloading costs at the first import port discussed as excluded in that explanation.
Adding the fee increases the customs value and landed cost, potentially weakening the importer's competitiveness.
Different cleaning charges
Container cleaning fees are not presented as a uniform rate. They vary by shipping line and cleaning method.
Water cleaning: ordinary cleaning for dry cargo where the container is not heavily soiled.
Dry cleaning: a method of container cleaning for residues such as stone powder, gypsum, or glass dust, where adding water can make removal more difficult.
Chemical cleaning: specialist treatment for chemical residues, oily food products, or odors. Dedicated cleaning agents make this more expensive than ordinary cleaning.
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Advance payment before use
The source describes exporters paying the cleaning fee when collecting the container for stuffing, before knowing how much cleaning it will need or which method will be used.
The amount may be modest for a few containers but represents a substantial advance outlay for large volumes.
The article presents container cleaning as a required charge under the carrier arrangements discussed, while calling for clearer and more appropriate charging practices for businesses.