Overweight Surcharge (OWS)

Definition

The Overweight Surcharge (OWS) is a compulsory fee charged by shipping companies for the transportation of containers that exceed defined gross weight thresholds. This fee exists to cover the increased fuel consumption, wear and tear on equipment, and specific handling requirements associated with extremely heavy cargo units.

Core Function

This surcharge applies specifically to 20ft containers which, due to their smaller size, often carry dense and heavy cargo that pushes or exceeds operational weight limits. Each shipping company sets its own specific weight threshold and determines the rate of the OWS at its sole discretion.

Expert Advice (Logicmile Positioning)

At Logicmile, our Ocean team conducts a comprehensive review of carrier costs related to overweight surcharges. This rigorous process is necessary to ensure that our established pricing structure fully covers our negotiated buy rates and remains competitive within the logistics landscape. We aim to provide transparency and cost efficiency even for the heaviest shipments.

Key Takeaways

• The OWS is a carrier-specific fee for transporting heavy cargo, mainly in 20ft containers.

• Rates and thresholds are set individually by each ocean carrier.

• Logicmile ensures competitive pricing by aligning costs with current market buy rates.

• This article was last updated on September 3rd, 2025, and relevant surcharges are valid for shipments scheduled to depart on or after September 8th, 2025.