When you get a quote for shipping from the USA to Europe, you usually see the ocean freight, fuel surcharges, and documentation fees. However, many shippers are blindsided by “hidden” costs that can double the price of a shipment if not managed correctly.
At RAM Shipping, we believe in transparency. Understanding terms like Demurrage, Detention, and Drayage surcharges is the key to keeping your logistics budget under control.
Here is what you need to watch out for.
1. Demurrage vs. Detention: What’s the Difference?
These are the most common penalties in container shipping, and they are often confused.
- Demurrage (Inside the Port): This fee is charged by the shipping line when your container stays in the port terminal longer than the allowed “free days.”
- Why it happens: Delays in customs clearance, missing AES filings, or issues with the Bill of Lading.
- Detention (Outside the Port): This fee applies when you have picked up the container from the port but haven’t returned the empty equipment to the terminal within the agreed timeframe.
- Why it happens: The warehouse is too slow to unload, or the trucking company is delayed.
2. Drayage Surcharges (The “First Mile” Costs)
Drayage is the transport of goods over a short distance, typically from a warehouse to the port. In the US, drayage costs can fluctuate based on:
- Residential Pickups: If we are picking up a vehicle or cargo from a home address rather than a commercial warehouse with a loading dock, expect a “lift-gate” or residential surcharge.
- Waiting Time: Truckers in major hubs like New York or Los Angeles typically allow 1–2 hours for loading. If the loading takes longer, you will be billed hourly for the driver’s wait time.
3. Exam Fees (The Customs “Lottery”)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the right to inspect any shipment leaving the country. While most shipments pass through without a hitch, some are selected for:
- X-Ray Exams (VACIS): The least expensive, where the container is scanned.
- Intensive Exams: Where the container is physically opened and the contents are inspected.
- Cost: The exporter is responsible for the cost of the exam, the transportation to the exam site, and any storage fees incurred during the delay.
4. Documentation Amendments
Once the AES filing is completed and the Bill of Lading is issued, any changes (like correcting the receiver’s name or the destination address) will result in “Manifest Amendment Fees.” These can range from $50 to $200 per change, depending on the carrier.
5. How RAM Shipping Minimizes Your Extra Costs
The best way to avoid hidden fees is proactive management. Here is how RAM Shipping protects your bottom line:
- Early AES Filing: We submit your Electronic Export Information (EEI) well before the 24-hour deadline to prevent port-entry delays.
- Pre-Validated Documentation: We check your commercial invoices and titles before the truck arrives to pick up the cargo.
- Coordination with Receivers: We ensure the consignee in Europe is ready for the arrival, minimizing the risk of the container sitting at the destination port.
- Strategic Port Selection: We advise on which ports are currently experiencing congestion to avoid potential demurrage traps.
Plan Ahead to Save
Shipping from the USA doesn’t have to be full of expensive surprises. By understanding the timeline and having your paperwork in order, you can ensure the “quoted price” is the “final price.”
Worried about hidden fees on your next shipment? Get a transparent quote from RAM Shipping and let our team handle the logistics from A to Z.
