Dole Ocean Cargo Express Will Raise Terminal Fees

The carrier will implement a US$35 surcharge per container on shipments across multiple U.S. ports starting October 25.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Transportation

Isometric editorial illustration of a shipping container suspended by a gantry crane, representing logistics and freight cost structures. — Dole Ocean Cargo Express will increase its terminal handling surcharge by $35 per container across multiple U.S. ports, effective October 25. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Dole Ocean Cargo Express is set to increase its United States Terminal Handling Surcharge by US$35 per container. The new pricing will apply to both northbound and southbound cargo moving through select domestic ports.

Why it matters

Adjustments to terminal handling fees impact the total logistics costs for shippers moving goods through specialized port facilities. These updates affect both tariff and service contract shipments across the specified trade routes.

The carrier implemented a flat increase of US$35 per container across all affected routes. The revised charges apply to shipments moving through ports in Wilmington, Delaware; Freeport, Texas; Gulfport, Mississippi; and Tampa, Florida.

The players

Dole Ocean Cargo Express

This shipping carrier manages ocean transport logistics and terminal operations for diverse global cargo routes.

The details

The surcharge increase covers cargo moving between Canada and Wilmington, Delaware, in addition to standard northbound and southbound traffic. The adjustments apply to all service contract and tariff shipments handled by the carrier.

The revised terminal handling surcharge takes effect on 25 October 2026.

Market Landscape

This surcharge adjustment follows standard industry practices for managing operational costs at specific regional terminal facilities. The move aligns with the broader trend of ocean carriers refining fee structures to manage throughput at secondary U.S. ports.

Customers and businesses moving cargo through the identified ports should account for the US$35 per container fee increase in their logistics budgets. These changes will apply directly to all service contracts and tariff shipments effective in late October.

The takeaway

Shippers should review their current service contracts to determine how these specific port surcharges will affect their overall freight spending. Maintaining awareness of upcoming tariff changes is essential for accurate quarterly budgeting.