Wharfage is a port or terminal charge assessed for cargo moving over, through or using a wharf or related facility. The assessment may be based on cargo weight, volume, unit, container or another tariff measure and is separate from ocean freight unless expressly included.
How is wharfage calculated?
A common method is wharfage = chargeable quantity × tariff rate. The tariff defines the unit, minimums, cargo class, exemptions and currency.
Illustrative wharfage calculation
| Calculation step | Value | Arithmetic |
|---|---|---|
| Chargeable cargo | 25 metric tons | Tariff measurement basis |
| Illustrative rate | $4 per metric ton | Example tariff rate |
| Wharfage | $100 | 25 × $4 |
The illustrative $100 excludes handling, storage, documentation, demurrage, taxes and other port charges.
Who charges and pays it?
A port authority, terminal or service provider may assess the fee, and a carrier or forwarder may pass it through. Contract and Incoterm allocation determine which party ultimately bears the cost.
What should be checked on an invoice?
Verify port, cargo or container reference, chargeable unit, quantity, tariff version, rate, currency, tax and whether the same fee is already included elsewhere.
Wharfage versus terminal handling
Wharfage relates to use of the wharf or port facility under the tariff. Terminal handling covers operational movement or handling services. Names and scope vary, so compare definitions rather than labels.
