Container demurrage is the fee charged by the port when the free time allotted expires and the container is still in the port. Ports charge container demurrage in order to incentivize shippers and consignees to move the containers faster and prevent port congestion. Demurrage should not be confused with container detention which is the usage fee charged by the ocean carrier when the containers is used beyond the free time provided. The amount of demurrage ranges per port but the typical amount of free time from when your shipment arrives is 5-7 days on each end of the voyage.

Avoid container demurrage by scheduling the pick up of your container as soon as it arrives on your dock and submitting your customs entry before arrival at the port of destination. If you have booked your shipment to DOOR, Exfreight will file your customs entry and schedule your delivery as early as possible. If customs select your container for inspection or delays the release of your container demurrage can incur. These situations are out of our control and we will bill any demurrage fees once incurred. If your cargo is not able to customs clear for a longer than usual amount of time and you have the risk of incurring demurrage speak with an Exfreight customs service representative as we may be able to transfer your cargo in bond to a bonded warehouse and unload the cargo there pending customs release for an additional fee. This could potentially save you thousands of dollars as container demurrage ranges from 75-150 USD per container per day for the first 1-5 days beyond free time and then increases per day per container from there.