Cost structure / standard tiers
CFS handling fees are charged per shipment or per weight/volume unit, in addition to the LCL freight rate itself.
| Fee Type | Basis | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| CFS handling (origin stuffing) | Per cubic meter or per shipment | $10-25/CBM, $35-75 minimum |
| CFS handling (destination deconsolidation) | Per cubic meter or per shipment | $10-25/CBM, $35-75 minimum |
| Container drayage to/from CFS | Per container | $150-350 depending on distance from terminal |
| Storage at CFS beyond free time | Per day | $5-15/CBM/day after 3-5 free days |
| Cargo release/documentation fee | Per shipment | $25-50 |
LCL shippers pay these fees on top of the ocean freight rate, which is itself typically quoted per CBM or per ton, whichever is greater.
Risk mitigation / operational guidance
Confirm the destination CFS location and its free-time terms before booking, since CFS free time is separate from and often shorter than marine terminal demurrage free time. One consignee's cargo within a shared container can clear customs while another's remains on hold — track each house bill's status independently rather than assuming the whole container moves together. For time-sensitive LCL cargo, ask whether the forwarder offers CFS deconsolidation near the final delivery point versus a CFS far from the destination, which adds inland trucking cost. For recurring LCL shipments, consider consolidating to FCL once volume regularly exceeds 12-15 CBM, where per-unit CFS fees often make LCL less economical than a dedicated container.