What is THC in Sea Freight?
THC is the cost for unloading containers from the ship, moving them to the container yard unloading and stacking them there, and then loading and stacking them again for transport (like by truck).
The unloading process is called THC unloading, and the loading process is called THC loading.
Torang Darya Shipping Company provides free consultation and quick quotes for the best THC costs in sea freight to meet your needs.

What is THC in Sea Freight?
Terminal Handling Charges refer to the costs related to container handling at the terminal. This includes unloading containers from the ship, transporting them to the container yard stacking and organizing them there, and loading and organizing the containers again for further transport, such as by truck. The unloading process is called unloading THC, and the opposite process is called loading THC.
THC fees are set by the Port and Maritime Organization of each country and vary depending on the type of goods and the facilities available at each terminal.

How is THC Cost Determined in Sea Freight?
THC (Terminal Handling Charges) costs in sea freight are set and collected by the Port and Maritime Organization of each country. These costs depend on several factors, including
- Type of goods
- Terminal facilities
- Geographical location
- Additional services
Different goods require different equipment and handling methods. For example, perishable goods need refrigerated storage, which increases THC costs.
Different terminals have different equipment and services that affect THC fees
THC costs vary between ports around the world.
Services such as storage, loading, unloading, and cargo handling also impact THC fees
How are Import and Export THC Rates Determined?
Import and export THC tariffs are announced yearly by governments and port authorities. Some goods are transported in containers, while others are shipped in bulk. THC costs vary depending on the type of cargo. Insurance fees for the goods are also part of THC expenses. Overall, THC includes costs related to loading, unloading, moving goods from one ship to another, transferring goods to warehouses, storage, special fees related to the type of goods, and more.
THC Charges for Container Loading and Unloading
Container THC Rates (Loading and Unloading Costs in Iran )
FULL CNTR(IMPORT/EXPORT /RETURN)MT CNTR /( TRANSFER/ EXPORT0)CNTR 20’
TYPE CNTR |
FULL CNTR(IMPORT/EXPORT /RETURN) |
MT CNTR /( TRANSFER/ EXPORT0) |
---|---|---|
CNTR 20’ |
177$ |
97$ |
CNTR 40 ‘ |
266$ |
133$ |

Reasons for Differences in THC Costs in Sea Freight:
THC rates vary between ports because each country has its own regulations that determine the THC charges in sea freight.
Different ports may charge different THC fees based on various factors, such as the technical facilities and modern equipment available at the docks.
Taxes and fees imposed by governments on port owners also play an important role in the variation of THC costs in sea freight.
Factors Influencing THC
Exchange Rate and THC Costs
THC charges are calculated based on the foreign exchange rates provided by the Iranian Central Bank’s Currency and Gold Exchange Center (Cash USD Rate). These rates are marked in green for user guidance and are updated daily in both the Solar Hijri and Gregorian calendars on the official website of the Shipping Association of Iran.
THC Currency Rates Table Based on Central Bank Exchange Rates |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DATE (Y/M/D) | DATE | CNTR THC | CNTR THC | IRANIAN VESSEL | IRANIAN VESSEL | FOREIGN VESSEL | FOREIGN VESSEL |
EURO | USD | EURO | USD | EURO(CASH) | USD(CASH) | ||
1404/02/24 | 2025/05/14 | 793.16 | 714.324 | 793.16 | 714.324 | 793.16 | 714.324 |
1404/02/23 | 2025/05/13 | 802.691 | 713.514 | 802.691 | 713.514 | 802.691 | 713.514 |
1404/02/22 | 2025/05/12 | 802.469 | 713.281 | 802.469 | 713.281 | 802.469 | 713.281 |
1404/02/21 | 2025/05/11 | 805.203 | 714.451 | 805.203 | 714.451 | 805.203 | 714.451 |
1404/02/20 | 2025/05/10 | 808.905 | 712.819 | 808.905 | 712.819 | 808.905 | 712.819 |
1404/02/19 | 2025/05/09 | 808.905 | 712.819 | 808.905 | 712.819 | 808.905 | 712.819 |
Get the Best THC Cost Estimate in Sea Freight with Torang Darya Shipping Company.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About THC in Sea Freight
THC costs are calculated based on the foreign exchange rate (CASH USD) set by the Central Bank of Iran’s Currency and Gold Exchange Center.
Several factors influence THC costs, including:
- Type of goods
- Container size
- Terminal equipment
- Port location and infrastructure
- Port traffic volume
- Port authority policies
- Shipping line contracts
- Local tariffs
• Distance and complexity of operations
To reduce THC charges, consider the following:
- Optimize container usage
- Consolidate shipments
- Compare THC rates across ports and shipping companies
- Choose ports with lower THC fees
• Get expert advice from shipping lines and freight forwarders
You should pay attention to THC costs during:
- Planning your shipping contracts
- Calculating the final price of goods
- Negotiating Incoterms terms
- Choosing ports or terminals
- Budgeting for transportation
• Comparing different shipping offers
Conclusion
THC costs have a significant impact on imports and exports and play an important role in strategic and business decisions. These charges affect the final price of traded goods. Ports with lower THC tariffs may be more attractive to shipping companies, traders, and businesses because they help reduce overall THC expenses. Transparency about THC tariffs is crucial for accurate planning and supply chain optimization. Companies should consider THC fees as part of their total shipping costs and plan to select ports with lower THC rates to minimize port stops and reduce handling fees
To get a THC cost estimate for sea freight, contact Torang Darya Shipping Company. Our consultants will guide you to find the best THC rates.