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Ports & services

Terminal Handling Charge (THC)

Abbreviation: THC

The THC is the charge for handling a container at the terminal, such as lifting it on or off the vessel and moving it within the yard, usually billed by the shipping line to the shipper at origin or the consignee at destination. Amounts vary by port, carrier and container size; check the operator's or line's official tariff. Under FOB or CFR contracts, agree up front who pays the origin and destination THC.

  • FOB (Free On Board)

    Free On Board means the seller delivers the goods on board the vessel nominated by the buyer at the port of shipment; risk passes once the goods are on board.

  • Demurrage

    In container shipping, demurrage is the charge a shipping line levies when its container stays in the terminal beyond the free time, such as an import box not yet collected.

  • Container Yard (CY)

    A container yard is the stacking area in a terminal where full and empty containers are stored before loading or after discharge.

  • Freight Forwarder

    A freight forwarder organises shipments on behalf of cargo owners: booking ship or aircraft space, arranging trucking, documents, insurance and LCL consolidation.

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