A security surcharge is an additional fee added to a shipment, ticket, or logistics service to cover security-related costs. In freight and international trade, it may help pay for cargo screening, facility security, regulatory compliance, port or airport security measures, documentation checks, and risk-management procedures. Security surcharges are usually separate from the base freight rate and may vary by carrier, route, transport mode, cargo type, or destination risk level.
A security surcharge is an additional freight fee charged by carriers to recover the cost of mandatory security measures implemented at ports, airports, and terminals. It covers security screening, personnel, equipment, and compliance costs required by government regulations.
- Applied per container by ocean carriers
- Air freight security surcharge covers cargo screening at origin airports
- Port security surcharges cover terminal access control and ISPS Code compliance costs
- Typically a fixed amount per TEU or per kg depending on the mode
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on AMS, ISF, Origin Charge, and FCL.
