Demurrage Calculator — Container Port & Inland Charges
Calculate container demurrage charges when containers are held beyond the carrier's free time at the port terminal or inland depot. Avoid bill-of-lading disputes with accurate estimates.
⚓ Demurrage Calculator
How to Use This Calculator
- Check your free days — from the carrier's bill of lading or your freight contract. Typically 3–7 days.
- Enter total days held — from container availability date (not vessel arrival) to gate-out at terminal.
- Select container type — reefer containers attract higher demurrage due to power requirements.
Worked Example
A 40ft dry container with 5 free days is held for 14 days total due to customs examination delays.
- Days over free time: 14 − 5 = 9 days
- Tier 1 (days 1–5): 5 × $100 = $500
- Tier 2 (days 6–9): 4 × $200 = $800
- Total: $1,300
A 5-day customs exam exam alone generates $500 in demurrage at Tier 1 rates. Proactive customs filing (entry before vessel arrival) and bonded transport (moving under bond to a CFS) are the best tools to avoid demurrage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Demurrage is charged when a container sits at the port terminal beyond free time — the carrier charges for occupying terminal space. Detention is charged when the container has been released from the terminal but is not returned to the carrier's depot within the agreed time. Both charges can accrue simultaneously.
File your customs entry before vessel arrival (AMS pre-clearance). Use a customs broker for efficient clearance. Arrange drayage in advance. For frequent importers, negotiate extended free time directly with your ocean carrier as part of your service contract.
The party named on the bill of lading as the consignee is responsible for demurrage. In practice, importers typically bear the cost but may recover from customs brokers or freight forwarders if delays were caused by errors in documentation.