Costs and charges
Demurrage
A charge from the shipping line for keeping a full container inside the port terminal beyond the free time.
In four languages
Demurrage covers the use of the carrier's container while it stays in the terminal after the free days have run out. On imports it runs from discharge until the full container leaves the port; on exports, from gate-in until loading. Charges usually rise in tiers per day, and they are separate from the terminal's own storage charges. The main causes are late documents, an unsurrendered B/L, unpaid local charges, customs holds and inspections, or no truck booked. Example: a container reaches Jebel Ali, but the supplier waits for payment before surrendering the B/L. The D/O cannot be issued, the free time passes, and demurrage builds daily. Preparing the invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and payment before arrival is the best way to avoid it.
Questions
What is the difference between demurrage and detention?
Demurrage is for keeping the line's container inside the port too long; detention is for keeping it outside the port, at your warehouse, too long. Both start after the free time.
How can I avoid demurrage?
Have the B/L release, invoice and other documents ready before arrival, pay local charges early, and book the delivery truck in advance.