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.
- 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
Related terms: AMS, ISF, Origin Charge, FCL.
