Wharfage

The wharf is one of the most interesting areas a ship could dock as it approaches land. Most people, including those who are not in the logistics industry, are familiar with wharfs and their operations. Essentially, a wharf is that area of the harbor used for cargo loading, unloading and storage. The wharf is sometimes a pop culture term, and many movies were shot at wharfs. There are also berths in wharfs as well. In terms of international freight shipping, there is a term called wharfage that businesses should be well aware of when shipping ocean freight. The term wharfage is an additional charge applied to the shipper for the sole purpose of using the wharf to load and unload merchandise when berthed there.

That rule might seem a little unfair, but wharfing is quite common and they only exist if you are using the wharfs for your cargo. Each port in the United States and throughout the World might have their own unique wharfage policies, fees, exemptions, rules and regulations for imports and exports. If you are curious about your possible wharfage charges, then you should check the bill of lading since it might be listed there. In the United Kingdom, wharfage is actually referred to as staith. Wharfage is a fee that shippers have been paying for some time. Consult with your trusted freight forwarder to see how you can best plan your shipment and if you would have to pay the wharfage for your freight shipment.