BAFFuel & BunkerCarrier-Mandated
Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)
A surcharge added to compensate for fluctuations in fuel (bunker) prices. Since ocean carriers' largest operating cost is fuel, BAF adjusts freight rates up or down based on oil price movements. It's typically reviewed quarterly or monthly.
Per Container
Category:Basic Shipping FeeChina Export Local ChargesDestination Import Charges
Applies to:
FCLLCL✕ Air✕ Rail✕ Courier✕ Road✕ FBA✕ As Request
Typical Cost Range
BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) is applied on top of ocean freight. Rate varies by carrier, route, and bunker market.
20ft Container
$150–$600
per 20ft
40ft Container
$300–$1200
per 40ft
Route Reference Rates(April 2026)
China → US West
$150–$600
China → US East
$200–$800
China → Europe
$120–$500
China → SE Asia
$50–$200
China → Oceania
$100–$400
China → S. America
$150–$600
Who Pays?
Shipper (When CIF, DAP)
Consignee (When EXW, FOB)
Negotiability
Set by carrier or port authority — not negotiable.
BAF is set by the carrier based on their fuel cost structure. Individual shippers cannot negotiate BAF rates, but large volume forwarders can request BAF caps or lock-in rates.
Adjustment Frequency
MonthlyWeeklyFixed
Current rate reviewed: Quarterly review
Chargeable Unit
FCL: Per Container
LCL: Per CBM
Formula / Calculation
BAF = (Current Bunker Price - Base Bunker Price) × Consumption Factor × Distance Multiplierfueloceanmandatoryvolatile
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BAF the same as fuel surcharge on air freight?
Yes, functionally equivalent. Air freight uses 'Fuel Surcharge' or 'FSC'. Ocean uses BAF.
When does BAF get applied?
BAF is typically applied at the time of booking confirmation and shown separately on the freight quote.
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Negotiation
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Often Appears Together With
These charges frequently appear on the same freight invoice as BAF:
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