Why quotes have so many line items
A freight quote is rarely one number. It stacks the base ocean or air rate on top of origin charges, destination charges and a set of accessorials. A transparent quote itemises each so you can see exactly what you're paying for at each leg.
The main surcharges, decoded
- BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) — a fuel surcharge that flexes with bunker prices.
- THC (Terminal Handling Charge) — for loading/unloading at the port terminal.
- PSS (Peak Season Surcharge) — applied when demand spikes.
- CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor) — covers exchange-rate movement.
- ISF / AMS / ENS — mandatory security and manifest filings.
- Customs clearance & duty/VAT — see Import Tax & Duties.
The ones that really bite: demurrage vs detention
These catch importers out. Demurrage accrues when your container sits inside the port/terminal beyond the free days. Detention accrues when you've taken the container out but keep it too long before returning it empty. Both add up fast — the fix is planning clearance and delivery so containers move within the free time.
What's negotiable and how to compare
Ask for an itemised, all-in door-to-door quote. Watch for “floating” surcharges left vague at contracting. Compare carriers like-for-like on the total, not the headline rate. A good forwarder tells you up front what demurrage/detention would cost if things slip.
How Boabab keeps it transparent
We tender every shipment across our network, return an itemised quote with no hidden line items, and give you one coordinator who flags risks (like tight free-time windows) before they become charges.
Need help applying this to a real shipment? Share your details and we'll engineer a route and source the best rate — usually within 4 hours. Start a shipment →