Cost structure / standard tiers
CFS charges are billed separately from ocean freight and from container-level demurrage, and typically appear as a distinct line item on the freight invoice.
| Charge Type | Typical Range | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| CFS handling/devanning fee | $50-$150 per shipment | Charged once cargo is unloaded from the container into the CFS warehouse |
| CFS storage (free time) | 3-5 free days typical | Starts after devanning, before pickup |
| CFS storage (after free time) | $0.50-$2.00 per cubic foot per day | Accrues until cargo is picked up or forwarded |
| Palletization / re-stuffing | $25-$75 per pallet | Optional, if cargo needs to be re-palletized for inland delivery |
Bonded CFS facilities handling cargo still under customs hold may also charge a daily bonded storage fee in addition to standard warehouse storage, since the cargo cannot be released without CBP clearance.
Risk mitigation / operational guidance
Confirm whether your LCL cargo is moving through a bonded or non-bonded CFS before booking, since bonded facilities add customs-hold storage costs that don't apply to cleared cargo. Track the devanning date separately from the container discharge date — the CFS free-time clock starts at devanning, not at vessel arrival, and the gap between the two can be several days depending on terminal and CFS throughput. For recurring LCL shipments, ask the CFS operator for their published storage tariff directly rather than relying solely on the forwarder's summary, since CFS storage rates and free-time windows vary by facility and are a common source of unexpected charges on import invoices.