Freight Forwarders Protest Sharp Hike in Container Charges

Photo: Collected

Freight forwarders in Bangladesh have strongly opposed the sharp rise in container handling charges, warning that the move will deal a serious blow to export trade.

The Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) has decided to raise charges by 20 to 80 percent for export containers, with the new rates set to take effect from September.

At a press conference in Dhaka on Saturday, organised by members of the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFA), leaders urged BICDA to withdraw the decision. The event was presided over by Abrarur Alam, alongside key members Adnan Mohammad Iqbal, Abul Hasan Shamsul Haq, Mahfuz Raihan, and Anwar Hossain Milan.

Alam said existing challenges could be addressed by improving operational efficiency—such as reducing cargo unloading times, introducing modern equipment, and tackling labour shortages—rather than imposing higher costs.

He pointed out that the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has already expressed solidarity by appealing to the Chittagong Port Authority, while other exporters have also voiced support for reversing the hike.

According to freight forwarders, the new rates will sharply raise business costs. Charges for a 20-foot container will increase from Tk 6,187 to Tk 9,900, while a 40-foot container will cost Tk 13,200 instead of Tk 8,250. Fees for a 45-foot high-cube container will climb from Tk 8,250 to Tk 14,900. Costs for other services—including empty container handling, lift-on/lift-off, documentation, and ground rent—are also set to rise.