When businesses compare freight forwarding quotes, the most obvious figure is the base rate. But as any experienced importer knows, the true cost of international shipping often includes a range of additional charges—some of which don’t become apparent until it’s too late.
At ISS Shipping, we believe in transparency and planning. We help our clients understand the full picture so there are no surprises. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common hidden costs in freight forwarding—and how ISS works to minimise or avoid them altogether.
What Are “Hidden” Freight Costs?
Hidden freight costs are charges that don’t always appear in the initial quote—or that vary depending on how a shipment progresses. These may include:
*Fees for delays or port storage
*Unexpected documentation charges
*Charges related to customs, inspections, or cargo handling
*Currency conversion fees or fuel surcharges
They’re not always avoidable—but they can be predicted, managed, or minimised with the right partner.
Common Hidden Costs to Watch For
1. Demurrage and Detention Fees: These are among the most common—and painful—unexpected costs.
*Demurrage is charged when your container stays too long at the port after unloading.
*Detention is charged when you take too long to return the empty container to the depot.
Both charges can add up daily, and during busy periods or when delays occur, they escalate fast.
How ISS helps: We track port timelines, customs clearance progress, and trucking schedules closely to ensure containers are collected and returned promptly. We also advise clients on realistic free time windows for their cargo.
2. Port and Terminal Handling Charges (THC):These are fees levied by terminals for loading, unloading, and processing your container. While often predictable, they can vary by port and are sometimes excluded from quotes.
How ISS helps: We include THC estimates in our proposals whenever possible and flag any port-specific fees upfront.
3. Documentation and Administration Fees:From Bills of Lading to Certificates of Origin, incomplete or incorrectly formatted documents can lead to correction fees or customs delays.
How ISS helps: Our team handles documentation in-house, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with both origin and destination requirements.
4. Inspection and Quarantine Charges:
If your cargo is flagged for inspection or requires fumigation, you may incur:
*AQIS/DAFF inspection fees
*Storage during inspection
*Repacking or treatment costs
How ISS helps: We work with experienced customs brokers to reduce the chance of inspections and make sure your cargo is declared correctly. For sensitive shipments, we pre-arrange treatment or clearance options.
5. Currency Fluctuation and Fuel Surcharges: Carrier surcharges like BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) and CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor) can change without notice, especially in volatile economic periods.
How ISS helps: We monitor market conditions as well as working with multiple carriers to compare surcharges and choose the most cost-effective route.
6. Container Cleaning or Damage Fees:If a container is returned dirty, damaged, or with residue, the shipping line may issue a cleaning or repair fee.
How ISS helps: We educate clients on proper container usage.
7. Storage and Handling at Destination: If a delivery is delayed or a warehouse isn’t ready to receive cargo, you may face storage charges or special handling fees.
How ISS helps: We offer short-term storage solutions and coordinate delivery timing to match your facility’s availability.
How to Avoid Freight Surprises
Here are some simple ways to protect your business:
*Ask for itemised quotes that include expected surcharges
*Choose a freight partner who actively manages timelines and documentation
*Plan ahead for peak seasons or holiday closures
*Work with a provider who communicates delays and alternatives early
Why Transparency Matters at ISS
At ISS Shipping, we take pride in delivering more than a competitive rate—we deliver confidence. That means:
*Clear breakdowns of all expected costs
*Early warning of any changes or additional charges
*A single point of contact who manages the full shipment lifecycle
*Realistic budgeting support for both regular and complex shipments
Final Thought
The cheapest freight quote isn’t always the most cost-effective once hidden charges add up. With ISS Shipping, you get upfront clarity and expert management to ensure your logistics spend works harder— and smarter—for your business.
