Container Nomination Service CMA-CNS

The Container Nomination Service fee, abbreviated as CMA-CNS, is a charge implemented by shipping lines such as CMA CGM when shippers request specific containers for their cargo. This fee arises from the additional administrative and operational efforts required to fulfill a shipper's request for particular container types, sizes, or conditions, which may involve rearranging container assignments and coordinating logistics at the terminal.

The responsibility for this fee typically falls on the shipper, who must pay the shipping line for the additional service. The fee is designed to cover the costs incurred in managing the container allocation process to meet specific shipper requirements, ensuring that the desired containers are available and ready for loading.

This service and its corresponding fee are applicable in scenarios where shippers have particular needs, such as using a container with specific characteristics for temperature-sensitive goods or requiring a container of a certain age for regulatory compliance. The charge is generally calculated on a per-container basis and can vary depending on the complexity of the request and the availability of containers.

It is important to distinguish the Container Nomination Service fee from other related charges, such as demurrage or detention fees, which pertain to the use of containers beyond the allowed free time. The CMA-CNS fee is focused solely on the selection and allocation process.

In practice, shippers should carefully consider the necessity of specifying containers, as this service can incur additional costs. Advanced planning and clear communication with shipping lines can help mitigate potential delays and ensure the availability of the desired containers, thereby optimizing logistics operations.