Re-handling Charge refers to the extra fee incurred during or after loading when already loaded cargo must be moved, reorganized, or restowed. Common scenarios include: adjusting improper stowage, shifting cargo due to mixed loading for different discharge ports, or moving existing cargo to accommodate late additions or shut-out cargo. This fee is usually charged by the shipping company or port operator, and the responsible party may be the shipper, consignee, or carrier depending on the reason for re-handling. Note: If re-handling is caused by the carrier's stowage error, the carrier bears the cost; if caused by the cargo owner (e.g., unclear declaration, last-minute changes), the cargo owner bears it. It is similar to 'container shifting fee,' but re-handling charge focuses more on operations inside the ship's hold, while container shifting may involve horizontal movement of containers. It differs from 're-booking fee,' which refers to charges for changing vessel/voyage. Foreign trade practitioners should clearly specify responsibility for re-handling charges in contracts to avoid disputes.
📝 Examples
1. Because the shipper temporarily added a batch of cargo, the already loaded cargo had to be re-handled and adjusted, so the shipping company charged a USD 500 re-handling fee. (This shows that re-handling fees caused by the cargo owner are borne by the cargo owner.)
2. During loading, the carrier found that part of the cargo was improperly stowed and could affect navigation safety, so it arranged re-handling and restowing, and the re-handling fee was borne by the shipping company itself. (This shows that re-handling fees caused by the carrier's stowage error are borne by the carrier.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
Foreign trade terms are the foundation of international business communication
Trade practices may vary slightly by country; pay attention when using them
When using terms in contracts, specify the applicable version (e.g., Incoterms 2020)
For unfamiliar terms, use GlobalSync's multilingual email helper to confirm with your partner