Calculate detention and demurrage fees for trucks and containers held beyond free time. Estimate daily charges for trucking, port, and rail detention.
Detention and demurrage are charges assessed when trucks, containers, or equipment are held beyond their allotted free time. Detention applies to trucks waiting to be loaded or unloaded at a shipper's or receiver's facility. Demurrage applies to shipping containers held at a port, rail yard, or container depot beyond the carrier's free-time allowance.
These charges incentivize efficient loading/unloading and timely container return. Detention is typically charged per hour after a 1-2 hour free time window, while demurrage is charged per day after a 3-7 day free period. Rates have increased significantly in recent years, making efficient operations critical.
This calculator helps you estimate detention and demurrage costs based on time held, free time allowed, and applicable rates.
Supply-chain managers, warehouse operators, and shipping coordinators rely on precise detention & demurrage data to maintain efficiency and control costs across complex distribution networks. Revisit this calculator whenever conditions change to keep your logistics plans aligned with real-world performance.
Detention and demurrage fees can reach hundreds or thousands of dollars per shipment. Calculating expected costs helps you budget accurately, identify inefficient facilities, and justify investments in faster loading/unloading processes. Proactive management of these charges can save significant annual costs. Real-time recalculation lets you model different scenarios quickly, ensuring your logistics decisions are backed by accurate, up-to-date numbers.
Detention = (Hours Held − Free Hours) × Rate per Hour Demurrage = (Days Held − Free Days) × Rate per Day Total = MAX(0, Detention or Demurrage)
Result: Detention Fee = $450.00
Hours held = 5. Free hours = 2. Billable hours = 3. Rate = $75/hour × 2 containers = $150/hour. Total detention = 3 × $150 = $450.
Free time is the window during which no charges accrue. For truck detention, free time is typically 1-2 hours from the driver's arrival at the facility. For container demurrage, free time starts when the container is discharged at the port and typically runs 3-7 business days. Negotiating extended free time is one of the most effective cost-saving strategies.
Many carriers use escalating rate structures where the per-day or per-hour charge increases the longer the equipment is held. For example, container demurrage might be $150/day for days 1-5 past free time, $250/day for days 6-10, and $400/day beyond day 10. This structure incentivizes prompt equipment return.
During port congestion events, demurrage charges can accumulate rapidly when shippers are unable to retrieve containers due to extended wait times and reduced appointment availability. Some carriers offer temporary free-time extensions during major disruptions, but this is not guaranteed.
Detention charges apply to trucking equipment (trailers, trucks) held at a facility beyond free time for loading/unloading. Demurrage charges apply to shipping containers held at a port, terminal, or rail yard beyond the allowed free time period.
Truck detention rates typically range from $50-$100 per hour after 1-2 hours of free time. Some carriers charge as much as $150/hour during peak periods. Most carriers cap daily detention at 8-10 hours ($400-$1,000/day).
Port demurrage typically starts at $100-$200 per container per day for the first few days past free time, then escalates to $300-$500+ per day for extended holds. During port congestion, demurrage can exceed $1,000/day.
Standard truck detention free time is 1-2 hours for loading or unloading. Container demurrage free time at port is typically 3-7 days for imports (longer for exports). Free time can be negotiated, especially for high-volume accounts.
Yes. If detention resulted from carrier scheduling errors, equipment problems, or port congestion beyond your control, you may have grounds for dispute. Document arrival/departure times and maintain thorough records for dispute resolution.
Key strategies include efficient dock scheduling, pre-loading trailers, adequate labor at delivery points, real-time container tracking, port dwell time monitoring, and using inland container depots for overflow during congestion events. Use this calculator to model different scenarios and find the best approach.