As the name implies port charges refer to the charges levied by port authorities on the containers it handles. Some of the port charges involved in container shipments are as follows:
Terminal Handling Charge (THC)
Terminal Handling Charge is levied by ports for loading and discharging of a container from the ship. It is charged by both the port of loading as well as the port of discharge. THC varies from port to port and terminal to terminal across the world. It is also paid to transhipment ports if there’s a transhipment along the route. However, for transhipment ports, THC is paid directly to the port by the shipping line. It is usually included in the ocean freight charges paid by the shipper to the shipping line in advance.
Early Arrival Charge
At times containers arrive at the port even before the stacks into which it is to be taken has opened, in this case, the port levies the early arrival charge. It is usually at the discretion of the port operator to decide whether or not to accept containers that arrive early.
Late Arrival Charge
At times containers arrive at the port after the stacks into which it is to be taken has been closed, in this case, the port levies the late arrival charge.
Shifting charges
Sometimes situations arise under which the destination of a port gets changed or the ship in which it is to be sent gets changed or the container requires an inspection. In such cases, the container needs to be shifted around within the stacks and the charges levied on it are called shifting charges.
Amendment/Cancellation charges
It refers to the charges levied by the port for cancelling or amending any document lodged with them.
