Terminal Handling Charge at Port of Discharging THC/D

Terminal Handling Charge at Port of Discharging, abbreviated as THC/D, is a fundamental cost component in the logistics and shipping industry. This fee is incurred by the consignee or the party responsible for the import shipment upon the arrival of cargo at the destination port. The charge is levied by the terminal operators or port authorities to cover the costs associated with the handling of containers once they have been offloaded from the vessel. These operations typically include the transfer of containers from the ship to the yard, stacking in the storage area, and subsequent loading onto transportation vehicles for inland delivery.

The THC/D is applicable in scenarios where goods are imported via sea and needs to be paid before the release of cargo from the terminal. The exact amount is usually determined based on the specific port's tariff and the type of container, with variations depending on the region and local port policies. In contrast to other charges such as demurrage or detention, which are penalties for delays, the THC/D is a standard handling fee.

It is important for shippers and freight forwarders to clearly understand the structure of THC/D to accurately forecast shipping costs and negotiate contracts. Misunderstanding or underestimating this charge can lead to unexpected expenses and affect the overall budget of the shipment. Furthermore, since this fee is non-negotiable and varies by port, stakeholders should ensure that they verify the applicable THC/D rates at the destination port during the planning stage of the shipment to avoid any logistical hiccups.