THC (Terminal Handling Charge)
A fee charged by the terminal operator for handling a container at the port — loading/unloading from vessels and moving within the terminal.
In detail
THC is charged at both origin and destination terminals and is separate from the ocean freight rate. It covers: crane operations to load/unload the container from/to the vessel, movement within the terminal yard, equipment use (chassis, yard tractors). THC is charged per container and varies by port and line: Shanghai THC typically $100–200/TEU; St Petersburg THC $150–250/TEU. Some carriers include THC in their all-in freight rates; others quote 'freight + THC separately.' Always confirm whether a quoted rate includes or excludes THC at both ends — this is a common source of unexpected invoices. For LCL, THC equivalent is the CFS (Container Freight Station) charge, typically $15–30/CBM. When comparing forwarder quotes, ensure the same THC inclusion/exclusion basis is used — comparing 'freight-only' against 'all-in' quotes can make the cheaper option appear $300–500 less than the actual difference.
Examples
- →FCL quote: '$2,000 freight' + '$180 origin THC' + '$200 destination THC' = $2,380 total port-to-port
Related terms
FCL (Full Container Load)
A shipment occupying an entire ocean container — 20DC, 40DC, or 40HC — booked and sealed by one shipper.
LCL (Less than Container Load)
Consolidated ocean shipping where multiple shippers share one container, each paying per CBM or freight ton of space used.
Freight Rate (Ocean Freight)
The cost charged by the shipping line to transport a container between two ports, quoted per TEU (20-foot) or FEU (40-foot), excluding terminal handling and surcharges.
Detention and Demurrage
Per-diem charges for exceeding the free time period for container use at the terminal (demurrage) or at the importer's premises (detention).