One of the most common complaints in international moving is receiving unexpected invoices after your shipment is already at destination — or worse, being told you need to pay before your goods are released. Here's what these charges are and how to handle them.
THC is charged by the shipping line or port terminal for handling the container at the destination port: offloading from the ship, moving to the yard, and making it available for pickup. It's a real, legitimate charge. The problem: some movers include it in their quote, some don't. Amounts vary dramatically by country — modest in Germany or the Netherlands ($200–$400), potentially over $2,000+ in certain other markets. Always ask: "Is THC at destination included in your quote?"
Ports grant a free period (typically 3–7 days) for containers to sit in the terminal after arrival. After that, daily storage fees (called demurrage) accrue. These can run $50–$200+/day and stack up quickly if customs clearance is delayed or your delivery date isn't coordinated properly. A good mover coordinates timing to minimize or eliminate port storage fees.
Customs authorities can select your shipment for physical inspection. This is largely random, though incomplete documentation or high-value declared goods can increase the likelihood. Examination fees — including re-stuffing and re-delivery costs — are almost always the shipper's responsibility and can run $500–$3,000+. Having complete, accurate documentation reduces but doesn't eliminate this risk.
After a container clears customs and leaves the port, it must be trucked to your home. Most local (dray) operators cover a radius of 50–100 miles from the port. If you live farther, you'll need a long-haul trucking arrangement, which is more expensive and has longer lead times. This charge should be included in door-to-door quotes, but confirm your specific address is within the mover's standard delivery zone.
If the delivery truck can't park within a reasonable distance of your front door and crew must carry items a long way (typically over 75 feet), a long-carry surcharge applies. Elevators with limited operating hours, stairs-only buildings, or narrow pedestrian alleyways can all trigger additional charges. Flag your delivery address specifics during the quoting process — not on delivery day.
A quote that looks $2,000 cheaper than competitors may be excluding THC, customs clearance, and drayage — charges that will appear on invoices after your goods are in transit. Always ask for a door-to-door, all-inclusive quote and verify what's excluded in writing before signing.
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