Demurrage is the charge a carrier applies when a container stays inside the terminal beyond the agreed free time — typically a number of days after discharge for imports, or before vessel loading for exports. It compensates the use of the container and terminal space.
Demurrage is invoiced per container per day and escalates over time, making it one of the most painful surprise costs in ocean freight. It is distinct from detention, which covers time the container spends outside the terminal.
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