Logistics & transporten
Port handling
All operations of loading, unloading, and moving goods within the confines of a sea or river port.
Definition
Port handling encompasses all physical operations of manipulating goods within a port: unloading from vessels, storage on terminals, loading onto inland transport modes, and all intermediate operations (sorting, stacking, transfer).
Key actors
- Terminal operator: company managing a port terminal (e.g. MSC Terminals, PSA, Hutchison Ports, DP World)
- Stevedore: company performing vessel loading/unloading operations
- Port authority: manager of the port domain (e.g. Haropa, Port of Barcelona)
Handling charges
Main handling charges include:
- THC (Terminal Handling Charges): terminal handling fees, invoiced by the shipping line
- Loading/unloading charges: vessel-side handling
- Storage charges: beyond the free time period
- Delivery/reception charges: container release
Impact on Incoterms
Handling charges are a major consideration in choosing Incoterms. Under FOB, the exporter bears handling at the port of departure. Under CIF/CFR, they also bear freight but not handling at arrival. The FAS and DEQ Incoterms (replaced by DPU) were specifically designed to clarify the allocation of handling costs.