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CFS (Container Freight Station)

What is a CFS?

A CFS (container freight station) is a warehouse that specializes in the consolidation and deconsolidation of cargo.

An LCL (less than container load) shipment will be taken to a CFS at origin to be consolidated into a container with other cargo. The container will then be trucked to the CY (container yard) before being loaded onto the vessel.

Diagram: a truck carries your shipment to an origin CFS warehouse where shipments from multiple importers are consolidated into one container, then trucked to the CY.

After the container arrives at the destination port, it will be taken to another CFS for deconsolidation. LCL shipments will then be picked up from the CFS for final delivery.

Flow diagram: a loaded container truck arrives at a destination CFS warehouse where cargo is deconsolidated, then individual shipments truck to destination; legend marks your shipment vs other importers' shipments.

Both the origin and destination CFS will charge a container freight station fee.

When does a shipment go through a CFS?

Only LCL cargo goes through a CFS. A full container load (FCL) typically travels from the shipper's dock to the container yard, which skips CFS handling and its fees. Because LCL cargo gets handled at both ends, it usually takes longer than FCL. Allow extra days for consolidation, deconsolidation, and any customs holds at the CFS.

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