---
title: "Overweight Surcharge (OWS)"
description: "The Overweight Surcharge (OWS) is charged by shipping companies to transport heavy containers. It applies to 20ft containers and each shipping company sets the rate at their own discretion."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flexport.com/glossary/overweight-surcharge/
lifecycle: live
dateModified: 2026-10-08T14:58:48Z
topics:
  - "Capacity & Rates"
  - "Ocean Freight"
---

# Overweight Surcharge (OWS)

The Overweight Surcharge (OWS) is charged by shipping companies to transport heavy containers. It applies to 20ft containers and each shipping company sets the rate at their own discretion.

## What is Overweight Surcharge?

The Overweight Surcharge (OWS) is charged by shipping companies to transport heavy containers. It applies to 20ft containers and each shipping company sets the rate at their own discretion.

#### Current Overweight Surcharge tariff

| Overweight Surcharge (OWS) for FEWB |  |
| --- | --- |
| **Gross Weight per container** | **Charge** |
| < 16,000 kg | $ 0 / 20ft |
| 16,000 - 20,000 kg | $ 200 / 20ft |
| 20,000 - 24,000 kg | $ 400 / 20ft |
| > 24,000 kg | $ 500 / 20ft |

Shipments are subject to Overweight Surcharge based on the actual weight of the containers. The Overweight Surcharge will not be shown on the quote but added to the invoice after the shipment has departed.

## When does the overweight surcharge apply?

Carriers apply the surcharge when a container's cargo weight exceeds a threshold that varies by carrier and trade lane. Because the trigger is the actual weight, your booking estimate may not match the final bill if the container loads heavier than planned.

## How can you avoid it?

Ask your supplier for accurate gross weights before booking. Splitting heavy cargo across more containers can keep each one under the threshold. Road weight limits also apply when a trucker hauls the container, so heavy loads can add trucking costs too.

Back to the [full glossary](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/).

---

*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flexport.com/glossary/overweight-surcharge/](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/overweight-surcharge/) for AI/LLM consumption.*