The short answer
| Demurrage | Detention | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the container is | Inside the port or terminal | Outside the terminal, at your premises or on the road |
| Import clock | From discharge until the full container leaves the terminal | From collection until the empty container is returned |
| Export clock | From when the full container enters the terminal until it is loaded | From collecting the empty container until it is returned full |
| Charged by | Usually the carrier (sometimes the terminal adds storage) | The carrier |
Terms differ between carriers and regions. Some carriers combine both into one "D&D" charge with a single free-time allowance, so always read the tariff that applies to your booking.
Free time
Each charge starts only after a number of free days. Free time is set in the carrier's tariff and can often be extended in your contract. Carriers also differ on whether free time counts calendar days or working days and whether the day of discharge counts as day one.
How charges add up
After free time, charges are usually tiered: a lower daily rate for the first days and higher rates later. They apply per container, so delays on a multi-container shipment add up quickly.
Free days: 5 Container at terminal: 14 days Chargeable days: 14 − 5 = 9 Days 1–4 of charges: 4 × 75 = 300 Days 5–9 of charges: 5 × 150 = 750 Per container = 1,050 Three containers = 3,150
Common causes
- Customs documents or duty payment not ready when the ship arrives.
- Customs inspections or holds.
- No truck or warehouse slot available to collect and unload.
- Slow unloading and late return of empty containers.
How to avoid them
- Prepare customs documents and payments before arrival.
- Book haulage and unloading in advance.
- Negotiate free time that fits your real unloading speed.
- Track the free-time deadline for each container and return empties promptly.
Estimate both charges for your dates and tiers with the Demurrage & Detention Calculator, and include any charges in your landed cost.
Results are estimates based on the values and rates entered.