Port Terminal Selector
Compare container terminals worldwide by rates, capacity, productivity, and carrier coverage. Get personalized terminal recommendations based on your shipping priorities.
Productivity Range
25-38 MPH
Avg Dwell Time
3.5-7.5 days
THC Range
$165-$420/TEU
Vessel Wait
2-36 hours
Yangshan Shendong Terminal
Shanghai
Waigaoqiao Terminal
Shanghai
PSA Singapore Terminal
Singapore
Tuas Port Terminal
Singapore
Maasvlakte II Terminal
Rotterdam
RWG Terminal
Rotterdam
APM Terminals Los Angeles
Los Angeles
TraPac Terminal
Los Angeles
TTI Long Beach
Long Beach
Jebel Ali Terminal 1
Jebel Ali (Dubai)
Jebel Ali Terminal 4
Jebel Ali (Dubai)
CTA Altenwerder
Hamburg
Deurganck Dock Terminal
Antwerp
Gamman Terminal
Busan
Kwai Tsing Container Terminal
Hong Kong
APM Terminals Elizabeth
New York/New Jersey
GCT Bayonne
New York/New Jersey
Understanding Terminal Selection
Container terminals within the same port can have vastly different capabilities, costs, and performance levels. Selecting the right terminal can significantly impact your supply chain efficiency and total landed costs.
Cost Optimization
THC differences of $50-200/TEU between terminals can add up significantly
Schedule Reliability
High-productivity terminals reduce vessel delays and maintain schedules
Carrier Coverage
Ensure your preferred carriers serve the terminal you select
Pro Tips for Terminal Selection
Match Terminal to Cargo
- Verify reefer capacity for perishables
- Check OOG handling for oversized cargo
- Confirm DG storage for hazardous goods
Consider Total Landed Cost
- Include THC, storage, and demurrage
- Factor in trucking distance and costs
- Account for dwell time inventory costs
Monitor Congestion Levels
- Avoid critical congestion terminals
- Plan alternatives during peak seasons
- Track real-time performance metrics
Gate Hours Matter
- 24/7 gates offer maximum flexibility
- Extended hours help avoid peak times
- Weekend access critical for some routes
Carrier Alignment
- Ensure your carrier serves the terminal
- Check service frequency and schedules
- Verify alliance coverage at terminal
Reliability First
- Prioritize terminals with >90% reliability
- Check customer satisfaction ratings
- Review historical performance data
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Focusing Only on THC
Impact: Lower THC may come with higher demurrage rates or longer dwell times
Solution: Calculate total terminal costs including storage and demurrage exposure
Ignoring Congestion Levels
Impact: Choosing a congested terminal can cause significant delays
Solution: Check current congestion status and historical patterns before booking
Not Verifying Carrier Coverage
Impact: Selected terminal may not be served by your preferred carrier
Solution: Confirm carrier services at terminal before finalizing selection
Overlooking Gate Hours
Impact: Limited gate hours can delay pickup and increase demurrage
Solution: Choose terminals with extended or 24/7 gate access when possible
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Terminal Handling Charge (THC)?
THC is a fee charged by the terminal for handling containers. It covers loading/unloading from vessels, yard handling, and gate operations. THC varies significantly between terminals and ports, ranging from $150-450 per TEU depending on location and terminal capabilities.
How is terminal productivity measured?
Terminal productivity is measured in moves per hour (MPH), which counts the number of container moves (loading/unloading) a terminal can perform per hour. Higher MPH indicates faster vessel turnaround. World-class terminals achieve 30-38 MPH, while less efficient terminals may operate at 20-25 MPH.
What causes terminal congestion?
Terminal congestion occurs when yard capacity is exceeded due to factors like increased cargo volumes, reduced trucker capacity, labor shortages, or equipment breakdowns. Peak shipping seasons (Q3-Q4) often see higher congestion levels. Congestion leads to longer vessel wait times, increased dwell times, and potential demurrage charges.
How do free days work for demurrage?
Free days are the period after container discharge during which no demurrage charges apply, typically 4-7 days. After free days expire, demurrage is charged per day until pickup. Some terminals offer extended free days for certain cargo types or during low-congestion periods. Planning pickup within free days helps avoid these charges.
Why do some terminals have 24/7 gate operations?
24/7 gate operations provide maximum flexibility for shippers and help distribute truck traffic more evenly throughout the day. This reduces congestion during peak hours and allows for faster container pickup. Terminals at major transshipment hubs like Singapore and Jebel Ali typically operate 24/7.
How can I find which carriers serve a terminal?
Our Carrier Coverage tab shows which carriers serve each terminal and the frequency of their services. You can filter by specific carrier to see all terminals they serve. This information is essential for ensuring your preferred carrier can deliver to your selected terminal.