Where is the difference?
- Demurrage: the container is in the terminal (from discharge to pick-up). Charged by the terminal and the line.
- Detention: the container is outside the terminal (from full gate-out to empty return). Paid to the container owner.
- Some lines grant both as a single combined free time.
Tiered charges
Charge = Tier 1 days × Tier 1 rate + Tier 2 days × Tier 2 rate + Remaining days × Last tier rate
Rates are usually low in the first days, then double or triple. Even a few days’ delay therefore costs more than expected.
Free toolDemurrage Tier CalculatorTrack the last free day
Free time usually starts on the discharge day. Knowing each container’s last free day and empty return date in advance, and planning customs and delivery around them, is the most effective measure.
Free toolFree Time Date CalculatorWays to reduce the cost
- Negotiate extended free time at booking.
- Prepare customs documents before the vessel arrives.
- Confirm warehouse and truck plans before pulling the container.
- Schedule the empty return as soon as unloading is finished.
FCRSOFT
FCRSOFT does this for you automatically
You don’t need to do the calculations and checks on this page by hand every day. FCRSOFT derives them all automatically from the records entered in the field.
- Each container’s free time is counted from discharge.
- You are warned before the last free day.
- Any demurrage and detention incurred is posted to the file cost.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for demurrage?
Usually the party obliged to take delivery of the container, in most cases the buyer or importer; the sales contract and Incoterm decide.
Last updated: 10/3/2026
