# Handling Charge

*Last updated: 2026-06-24*

> A handling charge is the fee levied for the physical movement of goods at a terminal, warehouse, or transfer point—covering loading and unloading, forklift and crane operations, and the preparation of storage space.

A handling charge is the fee levied for the physical movement of goods at a terminal, warehouse, or transfer point—covering loading and unloading, forklift and crane operations, and the preparation of storage space. It applies solely to on-site activities and is therefore distinct from the freight rate, which covers carriage between locations. Handling charges arise in ocean freight, air freight, and warehousing alike; the amount depends on weight, volume, unit count, and equipment deployed. In ocean shipping, the charge typically appears on invoices as a THC (Terminal Handling Charge)—not to be confused with the ocean freight rate, which carriers bill separately.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handling_(logistics)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handling_(logistics))

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Handling Charge |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 101 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-24 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handling_(logistics) |

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/handling-charge](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/handling-charge)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/handling-charge](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/handling-charge)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/handling-charge/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/handling-charge/llm-summary?lang=en)*