PMC port terminal charge: A miscellaneous port charge covering various administrative fees, port service charges, and handling fees not itemized separately. Commonly used by Chinese freight forwarders instead of 'Port Surcharge' (PSD) to group minor port-related costs into a single line item. PMC may include port authority fees, security scanning, documentation handling, and berthing charges.. This page explains Port Miscellaneous Charges as seen in China export freight quotes, shows typical PMC costs ($15-150/per 20ft container based on Chinese shipping rates), the calculation formula, and whether overseas importers and freight forwarders can negotiate it away.
PMCPort RelatedCarrier-Mandated
Port Miscellaneous Charges (PMC)
A miscellaneous port charge covering various administrative fees, port service charges, and handling fees not itemized separately. Commonly used by Chinese freight forwarders instead of 'Port Surcharge' (PSD) to group minor port-related costs into a single line item. PMC may include port authority fees, security scanning, documentation handling, and berthing charges.
Per Container
Category:Basic Shipping FeeChina Export Local ChargesDestination Import Charges
Applies to:
FCL✕ LCL✕ Air✕ Rail✕ Courier✕ Road✕ FBA✕ As Request
Typical Cost Range
20ft Container
$15–$80
per 20ft
40ft Container
$30–$150
per 40ft
PMC is typically lower than PSD as it may not include all port authority dues. Chinese forwarders often bundle minor port charges under PMC to simplify invoicing.
Who Pays?
Shipper (When CIF, DAP)
Consignee (When EXW, FOB)
Negotiability
Set by carrier or port authority — not negotiable.
Port miscellaneous charges are set by port authorities or bundled by forwarders. Not directly negotiable, but competitive forwarders may absorb some PMC into their service fees.
Adjustment Frequency
MonthlyWeeklyFixed
Current rate reviewed: Per container
Chargeable Unit
Per Container
Formula / Calculation
PMC = Port Miscellaneous Flat Fee or Per Container Rate (set by port authority or forwarder)
port miscellaneousport chargesmiscellaneousChinese forwarder term
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PMC and PSD?
PMC (Port Miscellaneous Charges) and PSD (Port Surcharge) serve similar purposes. PMC is more commonly used by Chinese freight forwarders and typically covers a broader, less transparent set of minor port fees. PSD is the formal port authority surcharge terminology.
Is PMC charged at origin or destination?
PMC can be charged at both origin and destination ports depending on the forwarder's routing. Origin PMC covers port handling in China; destination PMC covers arrival port charges.
Often Appears Together With
These charges frequently appear on the same freight invoice as PMC: