GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026

Terminal Handling Charge

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

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Last updated: 22 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.freightos.com/glossary/terminal-handling-charge/

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Definition & Explanation

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.

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