A booking fee is a charge applied by a carrier, freight forwarder, logistics provider, or booking platform for arranging and reserving transport space for a shipment. In freight logistics, it may cover administrative work, documentation, carrier coordination, system processing, or securing space on a vessel, aircraft, truck, or rail service. Booking fees are usually separate from the main freight rate and may appear on quotes or invoices alongside origin charges, surcharges, and accessorial fees.
A booking fee is charged by a freight forwarder or NVOCC for processing a shipment booking, covering the work of securing carrier space and issuing booking documentation.
- Applies on forwarder-arranged ocean or air bookings
- Separate from the freight rate and other origin charges
- Some forwarders bundle it into their service fee; others itemize it
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Freight Forwarding, NVOCC, Ocean Freight, and Professional Service Fees.
