GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026
Ancillary fees in freight transport
Accurate freight budgeting depends on understanding ancillary fees: charges that cover specific services beyond the base freight rate and appear as itemised line entries on the carrier or forwarder invoice.
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Accurate freight budgeting depends on understanding ancillary fees: charges that cover specific services beyond the base freight rate and appear as itemised line entries on the carrier or forwarder invoice. Common examples include fuel surcharges, handling fees, documentation charges, storage costs, and security levies. Depending on transport mode, trade lane, and cargo type, these fees can collectively exceed the headline rate by a significant margin. In ocean freight, surcharges such as BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) and CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor) are standard; air freight invoices routinely carry separate fuel and security surcharges. Shippers comparing quotes should always evaluate total landed costs rather than the base rate alone.
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