What is a terminal access charge (TAC)?

Terminal access charges barely existed a decade ago. Now they run to hundreds of dollars a container and rise on their own schedule. Here is what they are and why they keep climbing.

A charge on landside access

A TAC is levied by the stevedore on the transport operator for landside access to the terminal, and passed straight through to the cargo owner. Much of the increase over the last decade has arrived under the "infrastructure" label, framed as recovering terminal investment. It lands on the same cartage line either way.

Why it moves on its own schedule

Unlike a negotiated freight rate, the TAC is a published figure the stevedore sets and adjusts, usually once a year with an advance notice. That makes it predictable if you are watching, and a nasty surprise if you are not. The dated notice is what turns a rate-variation letter into evidence.

01Who pays the terminal access charge?

The stevedore charges the transport operator, who passes it through to the cargo owner. It appears on the cartage invoice.

02How often do TACs change?

Typically once a year, with an advance notice lodged before the effective date. Wharfa logs those notices the day they appear.

KEEP READING

Current TAC by terminal and port →Compare all terminal charges →TAC change history and notices →Glossary: terminal access charge →

LAST REVIEWED JULY 2026 · A REFERENCE GUIDE, NOT LEGAL ADVICE