A company from Istanbul (TR→DE) requested a freight quote
2 min ago
A penalty fee charged by shipping lines when full containers are not picked up from the port terminal within the allotted free time.
Demurrage is a critical cost factor in global logistics. When a cargo ship arrives at the destination port and unloads your full container, the shipping line grants a specified "Free Time" (usually 4 to 7 days) to clear customs and pick up the container. If customs delays, lack of documentation, or trucking shortages prevent you from moving the container out of the port within this free time, the shipping line charges a daily penalty known as Demurrage. This is strictly a fee for use of the container while *inside* the terminal. It should not be confused with "Detention", which is the penalty for not returning the *empty* container on time after you take it out of the port.