Terminal Handling Charge

Terminal Handling Charge (THC) is a fee levied by airport terminal operators or ground handling agents for cargo handling services at air cargo terminals. It covers the costs of loading, unloading, and moving goods within the airport premises at both origin and destination airports. THC is not included in standard air cargo tariffs and is charged separately from the airline's freight rate, covering services such as cargo sorting, security screening, temporary storage, and documentation processing.

A Cathay Pacific Cargo shipment (AWB prefix 160) from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) incurs separate THC at both airports, typically ranging from $50-150 per shipment depending on weight and handling requirements. Emirates SkyCargo (AWB prefix 176) charges destination THC at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) that covers unloading from aircraft, cargo sorting in the terminal, security screening, and temporary storage until customs clearance, with rates varying by terminal operator and cargo type.

• THC
• origin charges
• destination charges
• terminal charge

Are Terminal Handling Charges included in the air freight rate quoted by airlines?

No, THC is not included in standard airline tariffs, which only cover transportation from airport to airport. THC at both origin and destination airports is charged separately and must be paid as additional fees beyond the base freight rate.

How do Terminal Handling Charges vary between different airports and cargo types?

THC rates can vary significantly between different airports, carriers, and even shipments. Special handling fees for oversized cargo over 3 meters or 150 kg range from 500-2000 RMB per piece on European routes, and up to 3000 RMB per piece on Middle Eastern routes. Reefer containers require additional electrical connections leading to higher THCs, while hazardous materials attract higher fees due to special handling and safety requirements.