1.Abbreviation for “Destination Delivery Charge.” A charge based on container size is applied in many tariffs to cargo. This charge is considered accessorial and is added to the base ocean freight. This charge covers crane lifts off the vessel, drayage of the container within the terminal, and gate fees at the terminal operation.

2.Delivery Fee
As the name suggests, a delivery fee is a fee charged before the cargo is delivered to the customer.

The shipping line and/or the port can charge a delivery fee. The shipping line will charge it based on the services they need to provide before the delivery is done and cargo is released, such as the documentation required for the release, the updates to be done in the port, and the customs system for the release.

The port may charge it based on the actual delivery of the cargo.

3.Cargo Data Declaration Fee

A surcharge assessed for the additional costs of declaring cargo information in advance to the European Union authorities as required for authorities to evaluate any potential security and safety threats.

4.Freight Claim
A freight claim is equal to or more than the value of the goods damaged or lost.

Shipping and freight is an industry fraught with danger and open seas (literally) and the industry of course does its best to deliver the cargo to the receivers in good condition.

However, there are always cases where cargo is either exposed to damage or gets damaged.

In such cases where cargo is damaged, the party whose cargo is damaged will file a freight claim against the party that caused the damage.

For example, if a packing warehouse packed the cargo incorrectly which caused the cargo to be damaged, then the shipper can place a freight claim against the warehouse.
5.Chassis Usage Surcharge/Chassis Fee

Especially in the United States of America, it is customary for the carriers (shipping lines) to supply their chassis to the exporters and importers.

This chassis is used for moving the container to and from the port.

A chassis usage surcharge is a fee for using a chassis in conjunction with the shipping container to facilitate overland transportation from the shipper’s door to the port.

6.Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF)

Shipping and freight is a global industry, and as such, it involves trading in many currencies. US Dollar, Euro, and Pound are the most common currencies in trading.

Since each country has its exchange rate and these three main currencies fluctuate, the shipping industry had to find a way to offset monetary losses due to this fluctuation.

Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF) is a charge levied by some shipping lines on trade lanes to cover such financial losses. The quantum of CAF could be on a percentage or per container basis.