Cost structure / standard tiers
Both charges follow escalating daily-rate structures but are billed by different parties and calculated on different timelines.
| Charge Type | Clock Starts | Clock Stops | Typical Daily Rate (Days 1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demurrage | Vessel discharge (after free time) | Gate-out | $150-$200/day |
| Detention (import, outbound) | Gate-out (after free time) | Empty return | $100-$200/day |
| Detention (export, chassis use) | Pickup of empty for loading | Full return to terminal | $75-$150/day |
Combined exposure on a single delayed container can exceed $400/day once both demurrage and detention are accruing simultaneously across overlapping windows.
Risk mitigation / operational guidance
Track demurrage and detention free-time windows separately in dispatch systems, since they are governed by different rules and often different carrier departments handle disputes for each. Request combined free-time extensions when possible — some carriers offer a "merge" of demurrage and detention free days under FMC-related guidance, which can reduce total exposure if pickup is delayed but return can be expedited. Photograph and timestamp container condition and location at both gate-out and empty return, since detention disputes commonly hinge on proving when and where the container was actually available for return. If a chassis is involved, confirm separately whether chassis detention is billed by the chassis provider (often a separate pool operator) rather than the ocean carrier, as this is a frequently overlooked third charge stream.