A shipping quote is more than just a single number. It is a detailed breakdown of every charge involved in moving your cargo from origin to destination. Understanding each line item protects you from surprise invoices and helps you compare carriers accurately.

The Main Components of a Shipping Quote

1. Sea Freight (Ocean Freight)

The base cost of moving the container on the vessel. This is the largest single component and varies based on trade lane, container type, vessel demand, and season. Rates are quoted per container (FCL) or per CBM/ton (LCL).

2. Surcharges

Carriers apply several surcharges on top of base sea freight:

  • BAF / FAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor / Fuel Adjustment Factor) — covers fluctuating fuel costs
  • CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor) — compensates for exchange rate variations
  • PSS (Peak Season Surcharge) — applied during high-demand periods
  • EBS (Emergency Bunker Surcharge) — temporary fuel surcharge

3. BL Fee (Bill of Lading Fee)

The administrative charge for issuing the Bill of Lading — the critical shipping document. Typically $50–$150 per shipment.

4. THC (Terminal Handling Charge) at Origin

Covers the cost of moving the container within the origin port terminal — loading onto the vessel, crane operations, and storage. Also called POL THC (Port of Loading THC).

5. DTHC (Destination Terminal Handling Charge)

The same terminal handling fees at the destination port — unloading from the vessel and container positioning. Also called POD THC (Port of Discharge THC).

6. POL Customs / Origin Customs

Customs clearance and documentation fees at the port of origin. May include export declaration, inspection fees, and customs broker charges.

7. POD Customs / Destination Customs

Import clearance fees at the destination port. These vary significantly by country and commodity.

8. Inland Trucking

Transport of the container from the shipper's warehouse to the origin port, or from the destination port to the consignee's warehouse.

9. Inland Local Handling

Additional local handling fees at origin or destination — may include gate fees, container positioning, or stuffing/unstuffing at a CFS.

10. Platform Fee

When booking through a freight marketplace like Portway, a transparent platform fee is included. This covers the service, booking support, and documentation assistance.

Total Price Calculation

Total = Sea Freight + Surcharges + BL Fee
      + THC (Origin) + DTHC (Destination)
      + POL Customs + POD Customs
      + Inland Trucking + Local Handling
      + Platform Fee

Tips for Comparing Quotes

  1. Always compare total landed cost — a quote with lower sea freight but higher surcharges may cost more overall.
  2. Check what is included — some quotes are port-to-port (excluding inland), others are door-to-door.
  3. Verify validity dates — rates are valid for a specific period; ensure the quote covers your intended shipment date.
  4. Confirm ETD and ETA — the estimated departure and arrival dates affect your supply chain planning.

Portway displays every charge transparently before you confirm your booking — no hidden fees, no surprises.