Optional Additional

Optional Additional (abbreviated as Optional Surcharge or Optional Fee) is a type of ocean freight surcharge. It refers to the extra fee charged by the shipping company when the shipper, at the time of booking, has not determined the final port of discharge and requests the shipping company to retain the option to choose among multiple alternative ports. This fee usually occurs after the goods are loaded on board and before the vessel arrives at the first alternative port. The shipper is required to notify the shipping company of the final port of discharge within a specified time; if timely notification is not made, the shipping company may discharge the goods at the default port or charge a higher fee. This is commonly used in scenarios where the seller has not yet determined the specific location of the consignee or the market direction at the time of signing the contract and needs to retain flexibility. Points to note include: the optional additional is usually charged per bill of lading, and rates vary significantly among different shipping companies; the number of optional ports is generally limited to 2-3, and they must be on the same route; if the final selected port exceeds the originally agreed scope, an additional freight difference may need to be collected. Unlike the "port of discharge change fee," the optional additional is agreed upon and paid in advance, while the change fee occurs after the fact. It is also different from the "transshipment additional," which involves transshipment, whereas the optional additional only involves the choice of port of discharge.