What Are Terminal Handling Charges (THC)?

What Exactly Are Terminal Handling Fees?

Terminal processing Charges (THC) are fees levied by terminal operators for cargo processing at the port. These fees cover the cost of services supplied by the terminal during cargo loading and unloading, as well as container storage and transit inside the terminal. THC is charged for the following services:

Container loading and unloading from ships

• Container transport within the terminal
• Container stacking and destacking
• Container storage on a temporary basis
• Cargo inspection and documentation

THC is classified into two types:

1. Origin Terminal Handling Charges (OTHC): These fees are assessed at the port of origin, where the cargo is loaded into the ship. Typically, the exporter or shipper is responsible for paying these fees.
2. Destination Terminal Handling Charges (DTHC): These fees are paid at the final port of call, where the cargo is unloaded from the ship. These fees are typically borne by the importer or the consignee.

THC is distinct from other freight-related charges, such as freight rates or bunker adjustment factors (BAF), which are levied by shipping lines to cover transportation costs and fluctuating fuel prices.

Factors Affecting Terminal Handling Charges

The amount of THC levied at a specific port can be influenced by a number of factors, including:

• Costs: The cost of labor, equipment, and other overhead fees at the terminal can have a substantial impact on the amount of THC charged. To compensate its expenses, terminals with higher operating costs prefer to charge higher THCs.
• Tariffs and Regulations: Tariffs and regulations imposed by local governments and port authorities: Governments and port authorities frequently apply tariffs and restrictions that affect the cost of terminal handling services. Some ports, for example, may levy additional security costs or environmental levies, which might raise the overall THC.
• Exchange Rates: Because THC is frequently computed in the port's native currency, fluctuations in exchange rates might affect the amount of THC paid by the shipper or consignee.
• Cargo Volume: Terminals that handle a bigger volume of cargo may provide lower THCs due to economies of scale. Terminals handling lower volumes, on the other hand, may charge higher THCs to offset their fixed expenses.

THC levels might be affected by the type and size of the container. Specialized containers, for example, such as chilled containers or open-top containers, may necessitate more handling and incur greater THCs than normal containers.

 The Effect of Terminal Handling Fees on Shipping Prices

Understanding Terminal Handling Charges is critical for both shippers and consignees since it can have a major impact on overall shipping costs. Because THC is paid separately from other freight-related expenses, these charges must be considered when comparing alternative shipping options.

Shippers and consignees must negotiate THC conditions with the shipping line or freight forwarder, as some may include THC in their overall freight rates while others may charge it separately. Furthermore, understanding the local legislation and tariffs at the origin and destination ports is critical to avoiding any surprise charges or delays.

How to Reduce Terminal Handling Fees

While Terminal Handling Charges are an unavoidable element of the shipping process, shippers and consignees can use the following tactics to reduce their impact on overall shipping costs:

• Analyzing multiple shipping choice: Analyzing multiple shipping choices, such as comparing freight forwarders and shipping lines, can help you determine the most cost-effective solution that suits your demands. When evaluating choices, keep both the freight rate and the THC in mind.
• Shipment consolidation: Shippers can benefit from economies of scale by combining smaller shipments into a single, larger shipment, which can result in cheaper THCs. Working with a reputable freight forwarder might assist you in streamlining this procedure.
• Optimizing container usage: Making sure that containers are fully utilized can help reduce the number of containers required, lowering overall THC. This can be accomplished by efficiently packing the container and selecting the suitable container size for your cargo.
• Contract negotiation: Having excellent ties with shipping lines and freight forwarders can provide you leverage when negotiating contracts. Shippers and consignees with a large volume of goods may have more bargaining leverage to obtain better rates, including lower THCs.
• Staying informed: Staying up to current on changes in local legislation, tariffs, and exchange rates will help you anticipate and plan for any increases in THC.

Terminal Handling Fees - An Unavoidable Cost

While Terminal Handling Charges can add significantly to the overall cost of shipping, they are critical in ensuring the proper running of ports and terminals. Shippers and consignees can better control their transportation costs and enhance their supply chain operations by knowing the factors that drive THCs and implementing tactics to limit their impact.

Finally, Terminal Handling Charges are an essential expense in the shipping sector since they compensate terminal operators for the many services they perform. Shippers and consignees must be aware of these charges and factor them into their logistical planning and contract negotiations with shipping lines and freight forwarders. Businesses can streamline their shipping operations and keep a competitive edge in the global economy by implementing THC mitigation methods and being informed about industry changes.