---
title: "Wharfage"
description: "Wharfage is the fee charged for the use of a wharf to load or unload a vessel. It is imposed by the port authority and passed on by ocean carriers."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flexport.com/glossary/wharfage/
lifecycle: live
dateModified: 2026-10-08T14:58:38Z
topics:
  - "Port Congestion"
  - "North America"
  - "Ocean Freight"
---

# Wharfage

Wharfage is the fee charged for the use of a wharf to load or unload a vessel. It is imposed by the port authority and passed on by ocean carriers.

## What is Wharfage?

Wharfage is a single flat fee applied to container movements at or via ports in the Gulf region, applicable to the following ports:

Freeport, Houston, Miami, Mobile, New Orleans, Tampa, Port Everglades, and Fort Lauderdale

The surcharge is a direct result of fees imposed by the Port Authority for the usage of the wharf, which are subsequently passed on by ocean carriers.

If applicable, Wharfage will appear on your Flexport quote or invoice as a destination charge.

## How is wharfage different from other port charges?

Wharfage covers the cargo's use of the wharf. Terminal handling charges cover moving containers within the terminal, and demurrage applies when a container stays past its free time. Carriers name and bundle these charges differently, so check your quote to see which port charges it includes.

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

---

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