FCL calculations and surcharges

Freight rates for containers are based on the container as a unit of freight irrespective of the commodity or commodities loaded therein, (FAK) Freight All Kinds. The shipping lines quote per box (container) either a six or twelve metre container. From time to time, abnormal or exceptional costs arise in respect of which no provision has been made in the tariffs. For example a shipping line cannot predict the movement of the US Dollar or the sudden increase of the international oil price. These increases have to be taken into account by the shipping line in order to ensure that the shipping line continues to operate at a profit. These increases are called surcharges. All shipping lines accordingly retain the right to impose an adjustment factor upon their rates taking into account these fluctuations. All surcharges are expressed as a percentage of the basic freight rate. Surcharges are regularly reviewed in the light of unforeseen circumstances, which may arise and bring cause for a surcharge increase.

Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)

"Bunkers" is the generic name given to fuels and lubricants that provide energy to power ships. The cost of bunker oil fluctuates continually and with comparatively little warning.

Example:

Freight rate: Port Elizabeth to Singapore
Freight rate: US Dollar: 1 250.00 per 6-M container
+ BAF 5.2%
US Dollar 1 250.00 X 5.2% = US Dollar 65.00
Add the two amounts together
Freight rate: U S Dollar 1 315.00

Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF)

The currency adjustment factor is a mechanism for taking into account fluctuations in exchange rates, these fluctuations occur when expenses are paid in one currency and monies earned in another by a shipping company. The currency adjustment factor is a mechanism for taking into account these exchange rate fluctuations. It is always expressed as a percentage of the basic freight and is subject to regular review.

Example:
Freight rate: Port Elizabeth to Singapore
Freight rate: US Dollar: 1 250.00 per 6-M container
+ CAF 6.3%
US Dollar 1 250.00 X 6.3% = US Dollar 78.75
Add the two amounts together
Freight rate: U S Dollar 1 328.75

War Surcharge

The outbreak of hostilities between nations can have a serious effect upon carriers servicing international trade even though they may sail under a neutral flag. Carriers sailing within the vicinity of a war zone may impose a war surcharge on freight to compensate for the higher risks involved and the higher levels of insurance premium, which they may be obliged to pay.

Example:

Freight rate: Port Elizabeth to Singapore
Freight rate: US Dollar: 1 250.00 per 6-M container
+ WAR 5%
US Dollar 1 250.00 X 5% = US Dollar 62.50
Add the two amounts together
Freight rate: U S Dollar 1 35.50

All of the above surcharges may be applied to a single freight rate.

Example:
Freight rate: Port Elizabeth to Singapore
Freight rate: US Dollar: 1 250.00 per 6-M container
+ BAF 5.2%
+ CAF 6.3%
+ WAR 5%
Total amount of surcharge 16.5%
US Dollar 1 250.00 X 16.5% = US Dollar 206.25
(add to freight rate)
US Dollar 1 456.25

Port Congestion Surcharge

Congestion in a port for a period of time can involve considerable idle time for vessels serving that port. When a ship lies idle, this creates a huge amount of loss for the ship's owner. Shipping lines therefore have the right to impose a surcharge on the freight to recover revenue lost. Another factor which influences port congestion surcharge would be labour disputes. Port congestion surcharges are calculated as a percentage of the freight rate as expressed in the previous examples.