A container cleaning fee is a charge applied when a shipping container is returned dirty, contaminated, damaged by residue, or unsuitable for the next cargo. Carriers, container depots, or leasing companies may charge this fee to cover washing, sweeping, deodorising, removing cargo residue, disposing of waste, or cleaning after spills, fumigation, food products, chemicals, or packaging debris. The fee helps return the container to cargo-worthy condition for future use.
- Applies after containers carry food products, agricultural goods, or chemicals
- Required before loading cargo that is sensitive to contamination
- May be charged by the container owner, terminal, or CFS operator
Learn more about Dedola’s ocean freight shipping services. Related terms: Container Fumigation Fee, Hazmat, FCL, LCL.
