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Learn · Glossary

Demurrage and detention

Shipping-line charges when the container exceeds its free days: demurrage inside the terminal, detention outside.

Also: D&D · Demurrage · Detention

Every container comes with free days agreed with the shipping line. If the full container stays in the terminal beyond those days, demurrage is charged. If it leaves the terminal and takes too long to return empty, detention is charged.

Free days and daily rates vary by line, port and contract, and rates step up over time. A slow customs clearance or a warehouse that cannot unload turns a cheap freight into an expensive invoice; negotiate free time before shipping.