Demurrage and detention calculator

Demurrage and detention: the difference

Demurrage is charged while a full import container stays at the terminal after its free time. Detention is charged while you keep the carrier's container outside the terminal, from gate-out until the empty is returned, after its free time. Some carriers give one combined free time and one charge for both (D&D). For exports it runs the other way round: detention from the empty pick-up until the full container is delivered back to the terminal, and demurrage if it then waits there longer than the free time before loading.

How to avoid the charges

Send the documents and arrange customs clearance before the vessel arrives, book the truck for the first free days, return empties quickly, and ask for extra free days when you book, since carriers often agree to them for regular shippers or under contracts. Check the last free day as soon as you know the arrival date.

How the days are counted

Many carriers count the day of discharge (or gate-out) as day 1 and count calendar days including weekends, but some count only working days in the free time or start on the next day. Set the options to match your carrier's tariff. Rates often rise in steps, for example a higher daily rate after the first days, so the calculator takes two rates.