Demurrage & Detention Explained: How Free Time Works (and How to Avoid Charges)

Two charges quietly drain more money from importers than almost anything else in shipping: demurrage and detention. The good news? They are almost entirely avoidable once you understand how the clock works.

Demurrage vs Detention

—Demurrage is charged when your full container sits inside the port/terminal beyond the allowed free days, waiting to be picked up.

—Detention is charged when you keep the carrier's container outside the terminal (at your warehouse) too long after pickup, before returning the empty.

Simple memory aid: demurrage = container still at the port; detention = container away from the port.

How Free Time Is Counted

Carriers grant a number of free days (often 3–7, depending on the lane and contract). The clock typically starts when the container is discharged/available and stops when it is picked up (demurrage) or returned empty (detention). Charges then accrue per container per day — and usually escalate: the rate per day rises the longer you hold it.

Seven Ways to Stop the Clock

—Pre-clear customs before the vessel arrives — file documents early.

—Have funds ready for duty, VAT and charges so payment is not the bottleneck.

—Book transport to collect the container the moment it is available.