Stevedorage / Loading & Discharging Charge

Stevedorage / Loading & Discharging Charge refers to the costs incurred at the port of shipment and port of destination for loading, unloading, and related operations such as stowing and trimming in the hold. It is usually charged by the shipowner or the port stevedoring company and is an important component of ocean freight surcharges. In terms of usage scenarios, under FOB terms, the buyer is responsible for arranging the vessel and bearing the loading charge, while the seller bears the cost of delivering the goods alongside the ship; under CIF/CFR terms, the seller bears the loading charge, but the discharging charge may be borne by the buyer unless otherwise expressly agreed in the contract. Notes: Stevedorage is easily confused with Terminal Handling Charge (THC), port congestion surcharge, bunker adjustment factor, etc. THC is a charge levied by the port for cargo entering and leaving the terminal, whereas stevedorage focuses more on shipboard operations. In addition, stevedorage is sometimes already included in the freight (liner terms), and sometimes must be paid separately by the cargo owner (FIO terms in voyage charter parties). Difference: Unlike trimming charge and dunnage charge, stevedorage only covers the two stages of loading and unloading. Foreign trade practitioners should clearly specify in the contract which party bears the stevedorage to avoid disputes caused by unclear cost allocation.