Demurrage, Detention and Storage on US Ocean Imports: A Planning Guide
Demurrage, detention and storage can arise when cargo or equipment is not moved within the time allowed by the relevant carrier, terminal or facility. Terms and clock rules vary, so ask for the actual tariff and shipment-specific free-time details instead of relying on a generic number of days.
Understand the common distinction
Demurrage is commonly associated with a loaded container remaining at a marine terminal beyond allowed free time. Detention is commonly associated with keeping carrier equipment outside the terminal beyond the allowed period. Storage may be charged by a terminal, CFS or warehouse for cargo occupying space. The governing tariff and local practice control the actual definitions and start/stop events.
Ask when the clock starts and stops
Before booking, ask for free time at origin and destination, the event that starts each clock, how weekends and holidays are treated, and which party receives notices and invoices. For LCL shipments, ask separately about CFS availability and storage; container free-time rules do not automatically answer cargo-warehouse questions.
Prepare the release and pickup plan
Coordinate customs entry, payment or release instructions, delivery appointment, truck availability and receiver hours before arrival. Confirm who monitors arrival notices and who can authorize a pickup. A customs hold, missing document, unpaid charge, appointment shortage or unavailable truck can delay cargo even when the vessel arrives on schedule.
Keep evidence and review invoices
Save the booking confirmation, arrival notice, terminal availability, appointment records, release messages and invoices. If a charge appears incorrect, follow the billing party’s dispute process and preserve supporting documents. The US Federal Maritime Commission has rules for certain detention and demurrage billing practices; applicability depends on the parties and transaction.
Request an arrival plan
For a route review, provide the port, cargo type, container or LCL status, broker contact, receiving address and target delivery window through the [ANELGO inquiry form](../index.html#quote). Confirm the final free-time terms directly in the booking documents.
Related guides
Official references
For a route-specific logistics review, provide the product, origin, destination, packed dimensions, weight and ready date.
Request a shipment review ↗