Port Tariffs Benchmark Study

Challenge

San Antonio Terminal Internacional (STI), part of the Hapag-Lloyd group, commissioned HPC to conduct a benchmark study of public rates and actual charges at the top 20 ports ranked by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL) for 2023. The project required rapid execution—an initial draft covering a representative port sample was delivered within two weeks, followed by a full analysis completed in the third week.

Tasks Performed

• Structured benchmarking framework: Developed a harmonised methodology to capture and normalize tariff structures and actual charges across 20 ports, ensuring comparability and consistency.  
• Stakeholder validation: Conducted targeted consultations with cargo owners, customs agents, and freight forwarders to verify mandatory charges and validate findings beyond published tariffs. 

Benefit

HPC’s study provided STI management with a detailed comparison of public tariffs and actual charges at leading container terminals, focusing on key import/export services and mandatory fees from both the importer's and exporter's perspectives. By validating simulated charges through consultations with cargo representatives, customs agents, and freight forwarders, HPC ensured a robust and accurate assessment—supporting STI’s strategic decision-making and business planning with reliable market insights.