An origin charge is a shipping fee applied at the cargo’s point of departure before the shipment leaves the origin country or terminal. It may cover services such as cargo handling, documentation, terminal processing, container loading, export customs coordination, port charges, or local pickup-related costs. In international freight, origin charges are separate from the main freight rate and destination charges, so shippers should review them carefully when comparing quotes or calculating landed cost.
Origin charges are fees assessed at the point of export before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel or aircraft. They are separate from the base ocean or air freight rate and vary by port, carrier, and service.
Common Origin Charges
- Origin CFS fee for LCL cargo
- Documentation fee for bill of lading issuance
- AMS/ISF filing fee
- Origin THC (Terminal Handling Charge)
- Seal fee
- Export customs clearance fee
- Port security surcharge
Origin charges can add $100 to $400 or more to the cost of an LCL shipment. Request an itemized quote from your forwarder to understand all origin costs before booking.
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on AMS, FCL, LCL, and Bill of Lading.
