Cost structure / standard tiers
The two storage types differ in free-time windows, daily rates, and what additional costs they trigger.
| Factor | On-Terminal (Demurrage) | Off-Dock Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Free time | 3-5 days from discharge (carrier set) | 1-2 days typical (facility set) |
| Daily rate after free time | $150-400/day, escalating | $35-75/day, flat or mildly tiered |
| Additional move cost to access | None (already on-terminal) | Drayage move from terminal, $100-200 |
| Chassis exposure | Often terminal-provided | Chassis per diem continues, $25-35/day |
| Detention clock impact | N/A | Moving off-dock stops demurrage but not necessarily detention |
Off-dock storage is materially cheaper per day, but the upfront drayage move and ongoing chassis per diem must be factored into any comparison.
Risk mitigation / operational guidance
Decide between on-terminal and off-dock storage based on expected total dwell time: short delays (1-2 days past free time) often don't justify the cost and logistics of a pre-pull move, while longer delays (3+ days) typically favor moving off-dock once drayage and chassis costs are accounted for. Confirm with the drayage provider whether moving a container off-dock "stops the clock" on both demurrage and detention or only on demurrage — assumptions here are a common source of unexpected detention charges even after a container has left the terminal. Confirm off-dock facility appointment flexibility before committing, since one advantage is often same-day or next-day retrieval versus terminal appointment system constraints. For high-volume importers, pre-negotiate off-dock storage rates and chassis arrangements ahead of peak season rather than during an active congestion event when rates and availability both tighten.