Container Pickup Fee

Container Pickup Fee refers to the operational charge incurred when the cargo owner or their agent picks up an empty or loaded container from the shipping line, depot, or designated location. It commonly occurs in the export process: the cargo owner must first pick up an empty container from the designated depot for loading; or in the import process: the consignee picks up the loaded container from the terminal. This fee is usually collected by the trucking company on behalf of the service provider and covers costs such as crane operation, yard usage, and documentation handling. Usage scenarios include local charge allocation under trade terms such as FOB and CIF. Notes: Container Pickup Fee is different from 'Drop-off Fee', which refers to the charge incurred when returning the container; it is also different from 'Terminal Handling Charge' (THC), which is a charge levied by the terminal for cargo handling, while the Container Pickup Fee focuses on the pickup action. In addition, the Container Pickup Fee may vary depending on the shipping line, depot, container type (20GP/40HQ), and whether it is overdue; overdue pickup will incur demurrage. Foreign trade contracts should clearly specify who bears the Container Pickup Fee to avoid confusion with trucking fees, fuel surcharges, etc.