A congestion surcharge is an added freight charge applied when a port, terminal, or other transport gateway is unusually crowded and ships, containers, or trucks face delays. In international shipping, it helps carriers or service providers recover extra operating costs tied to congestion, such as longer waiting times and reduced equipment availability.
When It Applies
This surcharge may appear on ocean freight quotations, booking confirmations, or invoices, but it is not universal and depends on the carrier, route, market conditions, and contract terms. It can be temporary or remain in place while congestion continues, and it may affect either the origin, destination, or transshipment point.
For importers and exporters, the key issue is whether the surcharge is included in the rate or added separately after booking. The responsible party can vary under the sales contract, Incoterms, or carrier agreement, so shippers should verify who pays before cargo moves. A shipment routed through a busy port, for example, may incur this charge even if the base ocean freight rate stays unchanged.