Demurrage and detention calculator
Work out container demurrage and detention charges from free days, days used and your rate. Free, no login.
Demurrage
The container sitting at the port or terminal beyond its free time.
Detention
The container outside the port (e.g. at your warehouse) beyond its free time, before it is returned to the carrier.
Total exposure
USD 450.00
Save your work, run compliance checks, and generate export documents.
Demurrage and detention
What is the difference between demurrage and detention?
Demurrage is charged while the container sits at the port or terminal past its free time, before you take it away. Detention is charged once you have taken the container (e.g. to unload it), for the time it sits outside the port past its own free time, until you return it empty to the carrier.
How many free days do carriers usually give?
It varies widely by carrier, port, trade lane and your contract, commonly somewhere between 3 and 14 days for each of demurrage and detention. Check your specific booking confirmation or service contract rather than assuming a number.
Can demurrage and detention run at the same time?
No. A container is either at the port (demurrage clock) or has left the port (detention clock), not both at once. Combined free time is sometimes offered instead of two separate clocks, check your carrier's terms.
How do I avoid these charges?
Track your free-time deadlines against the container's actual location, arrange customs clearance and transport in advance of arrival, and return empty containers promptly. Missing a deadline by even one day usually triggers the full daily rate for that day.
Avoid the surprise invoice
Create a free account to track free-time clocks per shipment and get ahead of demurrage and detention before it accrues.
Create a free account →