Shipping Company Return Fees Investigation: Who Charges, Fee Standards Explained

This article discusses the current situation regarding customs return fees imposed by shipping companies in international shipping. The majority of shipping companies do not charge such fees, but some, like HPL and EMC, may impose additional charges without prior notice. Customers should promptly confirm during the return process to avoid escalating costs.
Shipping Company Return Fees Investigation: Who Charges, Fee Standards Explained

The issue of cancellation fees in international trade has long been a subject of concern. Recent research reveals that most shipping companies do not typically charge cancellation fees, though some carriers impose charges under specific circumstances.

Notable examples include Hapag-Lloyd (HPL) and Evergreen Marine Corp (EMC) , which may levy fees if cancellations occur without prior notice. While the majority of carriers waive cancellation fees, clients should be aware that consolidated (LCL) shipments might incur dead freight charges when cargo is withdrawn.

Industry experts strongly recommend that clients confirm any cancellation requests within the specified deadlines to avoid unnecessary expenses. Hamburg Süd , for instance, explicitly states that cancellations reported after the deadline or following confirmation will result in a 200 RMB dead freight cancellation fee.

A thorough understanding of individual carriers' fee policies proves essential for both shippers and customers, serving as an effective measure to prevent unexpected additional costs in international logistics operations.