Departure costs in maritime export: surcharges at the port of origin
When you export goods by sea, maritime freight is not the only cost. Before the container goes on board the ship, a series of surcharges and fees are applied at the port of origin, so knowing what they are and how they are applied is crucial to avoid surprises and calculate the transport price correctly.
These are the most common departure costs (or "origin costs") in a maritime export, which are applied before the cargo sets sail.
1. THC (Terminal Handling Charge)
The Terminal Handling Charge (THC) is one of the most important fixed costs. It is the fee charged by the port terminal for handling the container: unloading it from the truck, moving it within the terminal, lifting it and loading it on board the ship. The THC applies at both the origin and destination ports.
2. T3 (Cargo Fee) vs. G3 (Navigation Fee)
These are port fees that apply in Spanish ports:
T3 (Cargo Fee):
This fee applies to the cargo, not the container. It is calculated based on the type of cargo and volume, and covers the use of port facilities for loading, unloading and temporary storage.
G3 (Navigation Fee):
It applies to the ship based on its tonnage and the time it remains in port. Normally, the shipping line passes it on to the customer as part of the freight.
3. ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security)
The ISPS surcharge is a fee charged to cover security costs at the port terminal. It is a mandatory security measure imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) after the September 11 attacks, to protect ships and ports from terrorism. It is a fixed cost per container.
4. DOC FEE (Documentation Fee)
The DOC FEE or Documentation Charges is the cost charged by the shipping line or freight forwarder for issuing transport documents, such as the Bill of Lading (B/L). It covers the administrative management of documentation.
5. SEALING FEE (Seal Cost)
The SEALING FEE is the fee charged for the container security seal. This seal is placed once the container is full and closed, and its number is recorded in the documents to ensure it has not been opened during transport. It is a small but mandatory cost.
6. VGM (Verified Gross Mass)
The VGM surcharge covers the costs of mandatory container weight verification. Since 2016, SOLAS regulations require that the gross weight of each container be verified and declared before going on board, to prevent accidents on the ship. The VGM is the cost of weighing the container on a certified scale.
7. CUSTOM CLEARANCE FEE (Customs Clearance Charges)
This is the fee charged by the customs agent for managing the export customs clearance. It includes the preparation of the customs declaration (SAD) and the presentation of the necessary documentation to customs.
8. EXPORT DUTIES (Export Duties)
Export Duties are taxes that some countries apply to certain products when they are exported. They are not common in the European Union, but may apply in other countries. They must be paid before the goods can leave.
9. STORAGE CHARGES (Storage Costs)
Storage Charges apply if the container remains at the port terminal for longer than the free storage period offered by the shipping line or terminal. If you don't deliver it on time, you'll have to pay a penalty for each additional day of occupation.
Important: All these costs are added to the basic maritime freight. It is essential to know them and include them in your calculations to avoid surprises in the final cost of your maritime export. Some are fixed per container, others depend on the type of cargo or storage time.