FAFFuel & BunkerCarrier-Mandated
Fuel Adjustment Factor (FAF)
An alternative term for BAF used primarily by certain carriers (particularly some Asian carriers and some air freight contexts). FAF serves the same function as BAF — compensating for fuel price changes. The naming varies by carrier convention.
Per Container
Category:Basic Shipping FeeChina Export Local ChargesDestination Import Charges
Applies to:
FCLLCL✕ Air✕ Rail✕ Courier✕ Road✕ FBA✕ As Request
Typical Cost Range
FAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) is applied on top of ocean freight. Rate varies by carrier, route, and bunker market.
20ft Container
$100–$500
per 20ft
40ft Container
$200–$1000
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.
Same as BAF. The charge is set by the carrier and is not negotiable for individual shippers.
Adjustment Frequency
MonthlyWeeklyFixed
Current rate reviewed: Quarterly review
Chargeable Unit
FCL: Per Container
LCL: Per CBM
Formula / Calculation
FAF = Same as BAF — (Current Fuel Price - Base Fuel Price) × Carrier Calculation Factorfueloceanairalternative naming
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FAF different from BAF?
No — functionally identical. Some carriers prefer 'FAF' over 'BAF' as a naming convention. Always check the surcharge definition sheet.
Which carriers use FAF instead of BAF?
Primarily some Asian carriers and air freight operators. Most major ocean carriers (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM) use BAF.
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Often Appears Together With
These charges frequently appear on the same freight invoice as FAF:
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