GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 13, 2026

Agency Fee

Where freight charges cover the physical movement of goods, the agency fee compensates a freight agent or customs broker for acting as intermediary.

Last updated: 13 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/agency-fee.asp

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Where freight charges cover the physical movement of goods, the agency fee compensates a freight agent or customs broker for acting as intermediary. It applies to administrative and coordination services: carrier booking, preparation and procurement of transport documents (such as bill of lading, air waybill, or customs entry), clearance handling, and liaison with shipping lines, airlines, or authorities. The fee is typically invoiced as a flat rate per shipment or as a percentage of freight charges, and appears as a separate line item on the invoice. It represents a fixed administrative cost between agent and principal, independent of which carrier is ultimately engaged.

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