What does a container to the USA cost?

The cost for a container from Europe to the USA (East Coast) ranges from approximately USD 1,500–3,500 for a 20ft container depending on season and carrier. THC at origin and destination ports (USD 200–400 each), documentation fees (USD 50–150) and customs clearance are additional. West Coast prices are usually slightly higher due to increased demand.

FCL vs. LCL: Which is cheaper?

As a rule of thumb: a 20ft FCL container becomes economically worthwhile compared to LCL from about 13–15 CBM. For larger shipments from about 28 CBM, a 40ft FCL is usually cheaper. However, current market prices for the specific route are always decisive. Use our FCL vs LCL calculator for an individual calculation.

How long does sea freight from Germany to China take?

Transit time for sea freight from Germany (e.g. Hamburg) to China (e.g. Shanghai) is typically 25–35 days via the Suez Canal. Via the Cape of Good Hope (more common since the Red Sea crisis 2024), transit extends to 35–45 days. Pre-carriage (2–5 days) and destination customs clearance add additional time.

What is the difference between FCL and LCL?

FCL (Full Container Load): One shipper occupies the entire container exclusively. The container is loaded at the shipper's premises, sealed and only opened at the consignee's location. Ideal from about 14 CBM. LCL (Less than Container Load): Multiple shippers share a container. Each pays only for the space used (per CBM/ton). Ideal for shipments below about 14 CBM.

What documents do I need for sea freight?

The key documents for international sea freight are: 1) Bill of Lading (B/L) – proof of ownership, 2) Commercial Invoice, 3) Packing List, 4) Export Customs Declaration (EX1/AES), 5) Import Customs Declaration, 6) Certificate of Origin/EUR.1 if preference duties apply. For letter of credit transactions, an original B/L is also required.

What does THC mean in sea freight?

THC stands for Terminal Handling Charge. It is a fee charged by the port terminal to the shipping line for container handling services (loading, unloading, storage) – which is usually passed on to the shipper or consignee. THC applies at both the port of loading (origin THC) and the port of discharge (destination THC).

What is a B/L (Bill of Lading)?

The Bill of Lading (B/L) is the most important document in sea freight. It serves simultaneously as: 1) Contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, 2) Document of title to the goods, 3) Receipt for the goods handed over. An original B/L is required to release the cargo at the destination port. Modern alternatives: Telex Release and Sea Waybill.

How does sea freight work with customs clearance?

International sea freight typically requires two customs clearances: 1) Export customs in the country of origin: export customs declaration (EX1 in the EU via ATLAS), export certificate. 2) Import customs in the destination country: import customs declaration, examination of cargo value (commercial invoice), HS code and origin. Customs duties and import VAT are calculated and must be paid before release.

What is the revenue ton (W/M)?

W/M stands for Weight or Measurement – whichever is higher between weight (tonnes) and volume (CBM) forms the billing basis. 1 CBM volume = 1 revenue ton. 1,000 kg = 1 revenue ton. Example: 2 CBM / 800 kg → billed at 2 revenue tons (volume higher). 2 CBM / 2,500 kg → billed at 2.5 revenue tons (weight higher). Applies mainly to LCL shipments.

How are ocean freight costs composed?

Ocean freight costs consist of: base ocean freight rate + Origin THC + Destination THC + BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) + PSS (Peak Season Surcharge, seasonal) + ENS/AMS (mandatory pre-notifications) + D/O Fee (Delivery Order) + possibly War Risk Surcharge + CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor). Always check all items in the quote individually!

BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) is the shipping line's fuel surcharge – the sea freight equivalent of the air freight FSC. It covers volatile bunker oil costs and varies by route and oil price. Since IMO 2020 (0.5% sulphur limit), an additional LSS (Low Sulphur Surcharge) or GFS (Green Fuel Surcharge) is often levied. Typical: USD 50–350 per TEU depending on route.

THC (Terminal Handling Charge) is the handling fee that the port terminal charges the shipping line for container loading, unloading, storage and handling – which is passed on to shippers and consignees. THC applies at the port of loading (Origin THC: approx. USD 100–250/TEU) and the port of discharge (Destination THC: approx. USD 100–350/TEU). Varies greatly by port and country.

What are ENS and AMS?

ENS (Entry Summary Declaration): EU mandatory pre-notification for all sea freight to the EU – must be submitted 24 hours before loading at the port of departure. Surcharge: EUR 15–35/B/L. AMS (Advance Manifest System): US mandatory pre-notification for all sea freight containers to the USA – 24 hours before loading. Surcharge: USD 25–50/B/L. Both are mandatory components for the respective destinations.

What is spot rate vs. contract rate?

Spot Rate: Day market price reflecting supply and demand. Highly volatile (e.g. Asia-Europe rose from approx. USD 2,000 to USD 15,000/TEU in 2021). Cheap in low markets, expensive in peak phases. Contract Rate: Long-term contracts (6–12+ months) with fixed or framework rates. Stability and volume security. FAK (Freight All Kinds): Composite rate without cargo-specific differentiation. Practical tip: mix of contract and spot depending on seasonality is optimal.

What is PSS (Peak Season Surcharge)?

PSS (Peak Season Surcharge) is a temporary surcharge levied by shipping lines during peak season (typically July–October before Christmas) on Asia routes. Typical PSS: USD 200–800 per TEU. It is charged in addition to the base rate and other surcharges. Freight forwarders typically announce PSS 2–4 weeks in advance.

Sea Freight · Rates

Ocean Freight Rates & Costs

Revenue ton (W/M), LCL cost calculator, spot vs. contract rates, all surcharges (BAF, PSS, ENS, THC, AMS, War Risk) – fully explained with total cost example.

W/M

LCL billing principle

1 CBM

= 1 revenue ton (volume)

1.000 kg

= 1 revenue ton (weight)

The Revenue Ton (W/M) – the billing principle

Sea Freight LCL – Billing Formula

Revenue Tons = max(Weight/t, Volume/CBM)

1 CBM = 1 t (revenue ton) | Factor: 1.0

Example 1: Voluminous shipment

2 Boxes: 2.5 CBM, 600 kg

Weight: 600 kg = 0.6 revenue tons

Volume: 2.5 CBM = 2.5 revenue tons

→ Billed: 2.5 revenue tons (volume higher)

Example 2: Heavy shipment

1 Crate: 1.0 CBM, 1,800 kg

Weight: 1,800 kg = 1.8 revenue tons

Volume: 1.0 CBM = 1.0 revenue ton

→ Billed: 1.8 revenue tons (weight higher)

For FCL (Full Container Load), billing is per container (flat rate), not per W/M. The W/M principle applies primarily to LCL (groupage) and break-bulk cargo.

LCL Revenue Ton Calculator

Enter Shipment Data

Volume (CBM)

Weight (kg)

LCL Rate (USD/W/M)

Result

Volume (CBM)—

Weight (revenue tons)—

Density (t/CBM)—

Billing tons (W/M)—

Ocean Rate (base freight)—

Plus THC, BAF, CFS handling and other surcharges. Base freight calculation only.

Ocean Freight Rate Structure

Rate Type

Duration

Stability

Best for

Spot Rate

Per booking

Highly volatile

Occasional shippers, low-market conditions

FAK (Freight All Kinds)

Short–medium

Moderately stable

Mixed goods without commodity classes

Contract Rate

6–12+ months

Stable

Regular shippers, annual volumes

Tender (RFQ)

12–24 months

Very stable

Large customers, global networks

NVOCC Rate

Flexible

Medium

LCL forwarders, small shippers

Ocean Freight Surcharges Overview

Name

Code

Amount (approx.)

Description

Bunker Adjustment Factor

BAF

USD 50–350/TEU

Fuel surcharge – varies monthly by oil price

Low Sulphur Surcharge

LSS

USD 20–80/TEU

IMO 2020 sulphur compliance surcharge

Peak Season Surcharge

PSS

USD 200–800/TEU

Peak season surcharge Jul–Oct (Asia routes)

Terminal Handling Charge (Origin)

THC-O

USD 100–250/TEU

Terminal handling at port of loading

Terminal Handling Charge (Dest.)

THC-D

USD 100–350/TEU

Terminal handling at port of discharge

Entry Summary Declaration

ENS

EUR 15–35/B/L

EU mandatory pre-notification (ICS2)

Advance Manifest System

AMS

USD 25–50/B/L

US mandatory pre-notification (US only)

Delivery Order Fee

D/O

EUR 30–80/B/L

Issuance fee for container release

Currency Adjustment Factor

CAF

0–5 % auf Grundfracht

Currency adjustment (non-USD routes)

War Risk Surcharge

WRS

USD 100–400/TEU

Red Sea / conflict routes (since 2024)

Congestion Surcharge

CGS

Port-dependent

Port congestion surcharge (e.g. Long Beach, Shanghai)

Total Cost Example (HAM → SHA, 20ft FCL)

Shipment: 1 × 20ft FCL, Hamburg (HAM) → Shanghai (SHA), benchmark values 2026

Ocean Freight (base rate 20ft)USD 850

BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor)USD 180

LSS (Low Sulphur Surcharge)USD 55

THC Origin HAMEUR 215

THC Destination SHAUSD 145

ENS (EU mandatory pre-notification)EUR 25

D/O FeeUSD 55

Total Ocean Freight (approx.)USD 1.285 + EUR 240

Customs clearance, pre/on-carriage, PSS (seasonal) and War Risk Surcharge (Red Sea route) not included. Benchmark values, prices can vary significantly.

Freight Prepaid vs. Freight Collect

Freight Prepaid

Shipper pays ocean freight costs
Standard for EXW, FCA, FAS, FOB
Carrier invoices forwarder/shipper
B/L shows "Freight Prepaid" notation

Freight Collect

Consignee pays ocean freight costs
Common for CFR, CIF, CPT, CIP
Carrier holds cargo until payment
B/L shows "Freight Collect" notation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms in Glossary

Demurrage BAF / Bunker Surcharge Freight Rate

Example 1: Voluminous shipment

2 Boxes: 2.5 CBM, 600 kg

Weight: 600 kg = 0.6 revenue tons

Volume: 2.5 CBM = 2.5 revenue tons

→ Billed: 2.5 revenue tons (volume higher)

Example 2: Heavy shipment

1 Crate: 1.0 CBM, 1,800 kg

Weight: 1,800 kg = 1.8 revenue tons

Volume: 1.0 CBM = 1.0 revenue ton

→ Billed: 1.8 revenue tons (weight higher)

For FCL (Full Container Load), billing is per container (flat rate), not per W/M. The W/M principle applies primarily to LCL (groupage) and break-bulk cargo.

Ocean Freight Rate Structure

Rate Type

Duration

Stability

Best for

Spot Rate

Per booking

Highly volatile

Occasional shippers, low-market conditions

FAK (Freight All Kinds)

Short–medium

Moderately stable

Mixed goods without commodity classes

Contract Rate

6–12+ months

Stable

Regular shippers, annual volumes

Tender (RFQ)

12–24 months

Very stable

Large customers, global networks

NVOCC Rate

Flexible

Medium

LCL forwarders, small shippers

Ocean Freight Surcharges Overview

Name

Code

Amount (approx.)

Description

Bunker Adjustment Factor

BAF

USD 50–350/TEU

Fuel surcharge – varies monthly by oil price

Low Sulphur Surcharge

LSS

USD 20–80/TEU

IMO 2020 sulphur compliance surcharge

Peak Season Surcharge

PSS

USD 200–800/TEU

Peak season surcharge Jul–Oct (Asia routes)

Terminal Handling Charge (Origin)

THC-O

USD 100–250/TEU

Terminal handling at port of loading

Terminal Handling Charge (Dest.)

THC-D

USD 100–350/TEU

Terminal handling at port of discharge

Entry Summary Declaration

ENS

EUR 15–35/B/L

EU mandatory pre-notification (ICS2)

Advance Manifest System

AMS

USD 25–50/B/L

US mandatory pre-notification (US only)

Delivery Order Fee

D/O

EUR 30–80/B/L

Issuance fee for container release

Currency Adjustment Factor

CAF

0–5 % auf Grundfracht

Currency adjustment (non-USD routes)

War Risk Surcharge

WRS

USD 100–400/TEU

Red Sea / conflict routes (since 2024)

Congestion Surcharge

CGS

Port-dependent

Port congestion surcharge (e.g. Long Beach, Shanghai)

Total Cost Example (HAM → SHA, 20ft FCL)

Shipment: 1 × 20ft FCL, Hamburg (HAM) → Shanghai (SHA), benchmark values 2026

Ocean Freight (base rate 20ft)USD 850

BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor)USD 180

LSS (Low Sulphur Surcharge)USD 55

THC Origin HAMEUR 215

THC Destination SHAUSD 145

ENS (EU mandatory pre-notification)EUR 25

D/O FeeUSD 55

Total Ocean Freight (approx.)USD 1.285 + EUR 240

Customs clearance, pre/on-carriage, PSS (seasonal) and War Risk Surcharge (Red Sea route) not included. Benchmark values, prices can vary significantly.

Ocean Freight Rates & Costs

The Revenue Ton (W/M) – the billing principle

Example 1: Voluminous shipment

Example 2: Heavy shipment

LCL Revenue Ton Calculator

Enter Shipment Data

Result

Ocean Freight Rate Structure

Ocean Freight Surcharges Overview

Total Cost Example (HAM → SHA, 20ft FCL)

Freight Prepaid vs. Freight Collect

Freight Prepaid

Freight Collect

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms in Glossary

Related Topics

Ocean Freight Rates & Costs

The Revenue Ton (W/M) – the billing principle

Example 1: Voluminous shipment

Example 2: Heavy shipment

LCL Revenue Ton Calculator

Enter Shipment Data

Result

Ocean Freight Rate Structure

Ocean Freight Surcharges Overview

Total Cost Example (HAM → SHA, 20ft FCL)

Freight Prepaid vs. Freight Collect

Freight Prepaid

Freight Collect

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms in Glossary

Related Topics

All resources on sea freight

Sea freight topics & documents