A disbursement service fee is a charge applied when a logistics provider, carrier, courier, or customs broker pays duties, taxes, port charges, government fees, or other third-party costs on behalf of the importer or consignee. The fee compensates the provider for advancing funds, managing payment, and completing administrative work needed to release or move the shipment. Disbursement fees are common in international shipping and are usually billed separately from freight, customs duty, VAT, and storage charges.
A disbursement service fee is charged by a freight forwarder or customs broker when they pay third-party costs such as customs duties, port fees, or carrier charges on behalf of the shipper and then seek reimbursement. The fee covers the administrative cost and financing risk of advancing these funds.
- Separate from the broker’s professional service fee
- May be expressed as a percentage of the disbursed amount or as a flat fee
- Importers should expect disbursement fees when their broker pays duties on their behalf
- Minimized when importers establish direct duty payment accounts with CBP
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Deferment Fee, Professional Service Fees, Customs Bond, and Customs Clearance.
