CFS (Container Freight Station) Fee

What is a CFS fee?

A container freight station fee is assessed for LCL shipments.

After arriving at the destination port, LCL cargo is taken to a container freight station (CFS) to be deconsolidated; after that, it's loaded into a truck and transported to the final destination. The CFS charges a fee for this deconsolidation service, based on the volume of the cargo.

If you are shipping LCL and your incoterms include origin charges (e.g., Ex Works), you will also see a container freight station fee under Origin Charges on your Flexport quote/invoice. This fee covers the CFS service at the point of origin, when the cargo is consolidated to prepare for shipment.

What affects the size of a CFS fee?

CFS charges are usually based on the greater of cargo weight or volume, often per cubic meter or metric ton, with a minimum charge. Rates vary by port and facility. Small LCL shipments feel the minimum most, so combining orders into fewer, larger shipments may lower your cost per unit.

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