Wharfage is a port fee charged when cargo moves across a wharf, dock, quay, or pier. It is usually assessed by a port authority or terminal operator and helps cover the cost of maintaining port infrastructure used to load, unload, and handle cargo. Wharfage may apply to containers, breakbulk cargo, bulk commodities, vehicles, or other goods moving through a marine terminal. The fee is often calculated based on cargo weight, volume, container size, or shipment type. Wharfage is different from demurrage, detention, and storage. Wharfage relates to the use of port infrastructure, while demurrage and storage usually relate to cargo or containers staying too long at a terminal.
Wharfage is a fee charged by a port authority or terminal operator for the use of the wharf or dock facilities when cargo is loaded or unloaded from a vessel. It is assessed per ton or per unit of cargo passing over the wharf.
- Charged by the port authority on both inbound and outbound cargo
- Included in THC or destination charges in most modern all-in freight quotes
- Rate varies by port and commodity type
- Separate from the ocean carrier’s freight rate and terminal handling charges
For related logistics context, see Dedola’s ocean freight shipping services and glossary entries on Origin Charge, Container Facility Fee, FCL, and LCL.
