Terminal Handling Charges (THC)

Terminal Handling Charges (THC)

Paying Terminal Handling Charges (THCs) is an essential part of the shipping process, and can’t be ignored.

What are Terminal Handling Charges?

Terminal Handling Charges or THC are fees charged by the shipping terminals for the storage and positioning of containers before they are loaded on a vessel. These services include equipment handling, container positioning, maintenance, storage and the discharging of equipment.

There are many factors that impact the price of these charges at different ports, starting from the port of origin all the way through to the destination port.

The local charges of a terminal directly affect the THCs, so the cost varies from port to port within each country.

Unfortunately, THCs are some of the container fees you just can’t get around. Let’s learn more about what all THCs include in the next section.

What does the terminal handling fee include?

THCs cover the cost of a variety of services provided by the terminal operator, such as:

Handling of containers: This includes the moving of containers from the vessel to the yard and vice versa, including the use of equipment like cranes and forklifts.

Storage: The THCs also include storage for containers at the terminal for a particular time frame.

Documentation: Fees may cover the preparation and processing of documentation related to the movement of containers.

Security: Terminals often charge for maintenance and security at the terminal, including the use of security personnel and equipment.

Maintenance: Maintaining terminal infrastructure and equipment is expensive, so this is often included in the final THCs as well.

What’s included in the final shipping cost?

The way a carrier charges Terminal Handling fees also depends on the route of shipping. Usually, the total container shipping cost includes the following surcharges:

• Local charges at the origin port
• OTHC
• Sea/ocean freight charges
• DTHC
• Local charges at the destination port

How does THC surcharge in importing and exporting activities take place in Vietnam?