Calculate Your Demurrage, Detention & Storage Exposure
Enter the days over free time for each charge type. Rates are indicative — check your carrier tariff for exact figures.
Carrier · $180–380 /day est.
Carrier · $150 /day est.
Terminal · $70 /day est.
Demurrage, Detention & Storage — Not the Same Thing
Three separate clocks. Two different invoicing parties. All three can run simultaneously on the same shipment.
Container sitting at the terminal — carrier's clock
Who charges it
Your ocean carrier
Clock starts
Day after container is available at terminal (not arrival — available)
Clock stops
When you gate-out the container
Typical rates
$100–200/day first 5 days, $250–500/day thereafter (20ft)
Demurrage is NOT the terminal's charge. It's your carrier penalizing you for keeping their equipment tied up at port. Even if you can't access your cargo, the clock runs.
When Each Clock Starts and Stops
Follow a typical import container from vessel arrival to empty return — and see exactly when each charge kicks in.
Vessel Arrives
Container is discharged from vessel. No charges yet — vessel arrival does not start any clock.
Container Available
Terminal notifies you the container is ready for pickup. This is the event that starts the demurrage and port storage clocks — not the vessel arrival.
Demurrage Clock Starts
Demurrage accruingDay after availability notice. Every day the container remains at the terminal beyond your free time, demurrage accrues.
Port Storage Clock Starts
Port storage accruingTypically 3–5 days after discharge. Terminal storage accrues independently — you can owe both demurrage AND storage simultaneously.
Container Gated Out
You pick up the container. Demurrage and port storage clocks stop. Detention clock starts.
Detention Clock Starts
Detention accruingContainer is now off-port. Every day until you return the empty, detention accrues. Unload, devan, repack — the clock runs the whole time.
Empty Returned
Container is back at the carrier depot. Detention clock stops. Total D&D exposure is now fixed.
6 Things Importers Get Wrong
Most unexpected D&D bills are caused by the same predictable errors.
Using 'demurrage' and 'detention' interchangeably
They are separate charges with separate free time clocks and often different daily rates. Confusing the terms means you can't track deadlines or dispute invoices accurately. Always check your carrier tariff for how each is defined and billed.
Counting from vessel arrival instead of container availability
The demurrage clock starts the day after the container is available — which can be days or weeks after the vessel arrives. Customs holds, inspections, and yard transfers all delay availability. Counting from arrival gives you a false deadline.
Not knowing the terminal charges storage separately
Port storage is invoiced by the terminal, not your carrier. Importers who negotiate hard on carrier D&D free time are sometimes blindsided by a separate terminal storage invoice for the same period. Always ask your forwarder about terminal storage when your container is delayed.
Assuming customs holds pause the clock
In most ports and under most tariffs, customs examination does not pause demurrage. The clock runs even if you have no ability to pick up the cargo. This is one of the few genuinely disputable situations — but you must document it and dispute in writing before paying.
Accepting verbal free time agreements without written confirmation
If free time was discussed verbally and not documented in a booking confirmation or addendum, you have no leverage when the invoice arrives. Always request written confirmation of the free time terms, counting method, and any agreed extensions.
Disputing the invoice after paying it
Most carrier tariffs state that paying an invoice without written protest constitutes acceptance. If you believe an invoice is wrong, send a written dispute before or at the time of payment, explicitly noting the payment is made under protest while the dispute is resolved.