What items are actually included in export transshipment agency fees?

According to the latest 2025 international trade practices, compliant transshipment agency fees typically include:

• Basic Service Costs:customs clearanceFixed fees like document processing and transport document preparation
• Port operating costsTHC (Terminal Handling Charges),The containerLifting fees, etc.
• SpecialAdditional feesBunker Adjustment Factor (2025 standard USD 285/TEU), peak season surcharges, etc.
• Cost of Document ProcessingIncluding special documents like certificates of origin and inspection/quarantine

What are the new changes in 2025 agency fee calculation methods?

Affected by ICCs 2025 Incoterms revision, main changes include:Trade termsBilling benchmark adjustments

• Container size classification expanded from 4 tiers to 6 tiers (new 45-foot oversized container billing standard)Exchange rate fluctuations exceeding 3% can trigger fee adjustment mechanisms
• Conditions of exchange rate fluctuationEU Emissions Trading System (ETS) extended to maritime shipping, adding approximately €50-80 per TEU
• Additional expenses for greenThrough 2024 Shenzhen Port

Why do quotes vary so much between different agency companies?

Fee sampling survey found price differences mainly originate from:Export agentService integration capability

• Enterprises with in-house customs teams can reduce costs by 15-20%Port partnership levels
• Primary agents can obtain more favorable THC rates (price difference up to USD 30/TEU)Risk reserve provisions
• Compliant enterprises reserve 3-5% for exceptional situation handling fundsSignificant differences exist in negotiation space depending on service types:

Can transshipment agency fees be negotiated?

Fixed cost items

• (like government fees) are non-negotiableFlexible service items
• Recommended to focus on:Container demurrage fee pre-authorization limits
  • Document modification limit clauses
  • Exceptional situation response time commitments
  • Specify fluctuation thresholds for exchange rates, oil prices, etc.

How to avoid hidden fee traps?

It is recommended to specify the following terms in the contract:

• Trigger Conditions for Fee Adjustment: Specify fluctuation thresholds for exchange rates, oil prices, etc.
• Service response time standards: For example, provide feedback on customs declaration exceptions within 2 hours
• Force majeure liability allocation: Especially for special situations such as port strikes

Three effective methods to reduce agency fees in 2025

• Cargo consolidation strategy: LCL shipments reaching 20CBM can enjoy tiered rates
• Intelligent Customs Declaration System: Using EDI pre-declaration can save 50% document processing time
• Long-term cooperation agreement: Annual cargo volume commitment reaching 100TEU qualifies for 5-8% rebate

Common Questions Authority Answers

Q: Does transshipment fee include destination port clearance charges?
A: According to INCOTERMS? 2025, CIF terms only cover freight to destination port, clearance fees require separate agreement.

Q: Does declared value affect agency fees?
A: When cargo value exceeds USD 500,000, some countries will trigger additional security inspection fees (approximately USD 150-300).

Q: How are returned goods charged?
A: Recommend purchasing return shipment insurance, otherwise will incur 150% normal freight + 200% port handling fees.