What is a terminal handling charge or THC?
A terminal handling charge, or THC, covers handling a container at a port or terminal. Origin and destination entries refer to different locations, so their appearance together does not prove duplication. Check whether the same service is already included elsewhere in your quote. Quote checks can be coordinated by Cambridge China Bridge.
What the charge covers
In sea freight, terminal handling means handling a container at the port or terminal. The label alone does not give you a complete service breakdown. Ask the forwarder to identify the terminal and explain the operations covered by the quoted charge.
Do not treat THC as a complete destination-cost allowance. Ask separately about documentation, customs clearance, delivery and any shared-container unpacking. The UK destination-charge guide explains the broader costs and the risks of a cheap CIF freight line.
Separate origin from destination
Origin handling relates to the departure port or terminal; destination handling relates to the arrival port or terminal. For a shipment from China to a UK port, these are different locations. Their appearance in the same quote can therefore reflect separate services.
Ask the forwarder to write the location beside each handling entry, expand any charge codes and identify who invoices it. Record whether each amount is included in the supplier price, included in the forwarder's total, or payable separately. Use the Incoterms guide for the wider allocation of shipment costs.
Identify possible duplication
A possible duplicate arises when a separately billed handling service also appears to be included in a bundled amount. For example, a quote may say destination handling is included, while an arrival invoice adds destination handling for the same shipment. Ask for a reconciliation rather than assuming either entry is correct.
Compare the shipment reference, port or terminal, service description, charging basis and party collecting payment. Different labels can describe overlapping work; similar labels can describe work at different locations. Ask what distinguishes each entry and whether a payment already made has been credited.
Make the quote checkable before booking
Request an itemised schedule showing origin handling, destination handling, inclusions and exclusions. For each amount, ask for the currency, charging basis, applicable shipment details and quote validity. If a charge is collected by the UK agent, get that agent's written confirmation before booking.
Ask explicitly whether the total already includes the handling entries shown beneath it. Keep the accepted quote and booking confirmation together. When the invoice arrives, use the freight invoice-checking guide to reconcile the wider bill against the agreed scope.
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Query an unexplained arrival charge
Send the invoice issuer the disputed line and the wording in the accepted quote that appears to include it. Request the service breakdown, the reason for the additional charge and a corrected invoice or credit if duplication is confirmed. Keep the response with the shipment records.
Ask your forwarder whether the query affects cargo release and what separate storage or delay costs might arise while it is resolved. Cambridge China Bridge can coordinate questions with the supplier through its staff in China; ask the invoice issuer to confirm any correction in writing.
Frequently asked questions
What does THC mean in shipping?
THC means terminal handling charge. It covers handling a container at a port or terminal. Ask which terminal and operations the quoted amount covers.
Why does my quote show origin and destination THC?
They refer to handling at different ends of the journey. Their appearance together does not prove duplication. Check the location and service covered by each entry.
Is THC included in my freight quote?
Check the written inclusions and exclusions. Ask whether terminal handling is inside the quoted total or payable separately, and who will invoice it.
How do I check if THC has been charged twice?
Match the shipment, location and service against the accepted quote and payments already made. Ask the issuer to explain any overlap and correct confirmed duplication.