CAFCurrencyCarrier-Mandated
Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF)
A surcharge applied to offset currency exchange rate fluctuations between the US Dollar (or another base currency) and the local billing currency. It's expressed as a percentage applied to the base ocean freight rate.
Per Container
Category:Basic Shipping FeeChina Export Local ChargesDestination Import Charges
Applies to:
FCLLCL✕ Air✕ Rail✕ Courier✕ Road✕ FBA✕ As Request
Typical Cost Range
CAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) is applied on top of ocean freight. Rate varies by carrier, route, and bunker market.
20ft Container
$15–$120
per 20ft
40ft Container
$30–$240
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.
CAF is carrier-set based on exchange rate movements. Cannot be negotiated but forwarders may absorb it in overall rate quotes.
Adjustment Frequency
MonthlyWeeklyFixed
Current rate reviewed: Monthly review
Chargeable Unit
FCL: Per Container
LCL: Per CBM
Formula / Calculation
CAF % = (Base Currency Rate - Current Currency Rate) / Base Currency Rate × Adjustment Factorcurrencyoceanpercentagemonthly
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CAF apply on Asia-Europe routes?
Yes, particularly when billing in EUR, GBP, or JPY. Most Asia-US routes bill in USD so CAF is less common there.
Can CAF be avoided?
No, it is a standard carrier charge. Pay in USD to avoid CAF on USD-denominated routes.
Related Articles
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Often Appears Together With
These charges frequently appear on the same freight invoice as CAF:
Related Charges
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