A Container Freight Station (CFS) is a warehouse facility near a port that manages less-than-container-load (LCL) cargo. Shippers use a CFS to consolidate multiple small shipments before export or to break them down after import.
A Container Freight Station handles cargo that does not fill an entire container. At the origin, the CFS receives multiple LCL shipments and consolidates them into a full container. The facility then sends the container to the container yard (CY) for loading onto the vessel.
At the destination port, another CFS takes the container for deconsolidation. Staff unpack the container, separate the individual LCL shipments, and prepare them for final delivery to their respective consignees.
A CFS fee covers the labor, handling, and storage required for consolidating or deconsolidating LCL cargo. Both the origin and destination CFS charge this fee. Carrier/freight forwarders typically include it in freight quotes or list it as a separate item on the invoice.
