# Terminal Handling Charge

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> The Terminal Handling Charge (THC) covers the movement of containers between the vessel, quayside, and yard stack at a port terminal.

The Terminal Handling Charge (THC) covers the movement of containers between the vessel, quayside, and yard stack at a port terminal. It funds crane operations, terminal tractors, forklift handling, and associated labour. Ocean carriers pass the THC on to the shipper or freight forwarder as a separate line item on the freight invoice, even though the charge originates with the terminal operator. Rates vary considerably by port, container size, and congestion levels, making port-to-port comparisons unreliable without checking local THC schedules. THC should not be confused with port dues—which relate to the vessel's use of harbour infrastructure—or with destination delivery charges (DDC), a comparable fee applied at the discharge port in certain trades.

**Source:** [https://www.freightos.com/glossary/terminal-handling-charge/](https://www.freightos.com/glossary/terminal-handling-charge/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Terminal Handling Charge |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 113 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://www.freightos.com/glossary/terminal-handling-charge/ |

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