Destination Charges Explained

Destination charges are the fees that can apply once your shipment reaches the destination country — separate from the ocean or air freight you pay at origin. They commonly include destination terminal handling charges (DTHC), document handling, customs-related fees, storage or demurrage, and final delivery to your home.

DTHC stands for Destination Terminal Handling Charges. It covers the handling of your shipment at the arrival port or terminal — unloading, processing and related terminal services. The amount varies by country, port, shipment type and how the freight was originally booked.

Not always. A quote given at origin may not include every destination-side fee. Always ask your mover in writing whether DTHC, document handling, customs inspection, storage and final delivery are included or billed separately, so you can compare quotes on equal terms.

Most so-called hidden fees are simply destination charges that weren't itemised in the original quote. Customs inspections, port storage and difficult-access delivery are often outside the origin mover's control, so they may be passed on later. Asking for a fully landed estimate up front avoids surprises.

Port charges are fees levied at the destination port or terminal for receiving and processing your container or shipment. They can include terminal handling, port processing and, if your goods sit too long, storage or demurrage. They are typically billed in the destination country's currency.

Request an itemised, door-to-door quote, confirm exactly what is and isn't included, clarify who pays if customs selects your shipment for inspection, and flag any tricky delivery access (stairs, long carry, parking) before arrival. Working with a vetted international mover reduces the risk of avoidable charges.