GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 13, 2026
Container handling
A container vessel berths, cranes swing into position within minutes, and the orchestrated transfer begins – this is container handling.
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Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Containerumschlag
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A container vessel berths, cranes swing into position within minutes, and the orchestrated transfer begins – this is container handling. The term covers all loading, unloading, and transshipment operations of standardized containers between vessels, trucks, trains, and occasionally aircraft. It includes mechanical lifting and positioning, yard stacking, weight and damage inspection, documentation, and internal terminal vehicle movements. Terminal operators charge for these services through the Terminal Handling Charge (THC), invoiced per container to forwarders and shippers as a separate line item. Container handling should not be confused with container transport, which describes movement between terminals rather than the transfer process at the terminal itself.
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