Long Length Additional (LLA) is a type of ocean freight surcharge. It refers to a fee charged by the shipping line to the shipper when the length of a single piece of cargo exceeds the standard stipulated by the carrier (usually 6 meters or 12 meters, depending on the shipping company). This surcharge is intended to compensate for the additional handling costs caused by over-length cargo, such as special loading and unloading, space adjustment, lashing and securing, etc. This fee typically appears in breakbulk or oversized cargo transportation. It is similar to the Overweight Additional and Over-sized Additional, but focuses on the length dimension. Usage scenarios include: when exporting over-length cargo such as large mechanical equipment, steel pipes, and wind turbine blades, it is necessary to confirm with the shipping company before booking whether LLA is charged and what the rate is. Precautions: Different shipping companies have different definitions of over-length and different rates, and LLA may be charged in addition to the Overweight Additional. The shipper should include this cost in the quotation to avoid profit erosion. Unlike general surcharges such as BAF and CAF, LLA targets specific cargo dimensions rather than general cost increases. Difference: Long Length Additional is charged solely because the length exceeds the limit, while Overweight Additional is charged because the weight exceeds the limit. The two are calculated independently.
📝 Examples
1. The single length of this batch of steel pipes reaches 15 meters, and the shipping company will charge an extra long length surcharge of USD 200 per piece. Please confirm whether you accept it. (Note: The freight forwarder confirms the amount of the long length surcharge and the party responsible for it with the cargo owner.)
2. When quoting, please note that in addition to the ocean freight, the long length surcharge and the overweight surcharge must also be added, because the equipment is both long and heavy. (Note: Remind the salesperson to include the long length surcharge in the quotation to avoid missing cost calculations.)
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