Cost structure / standard tiers
Per diem rates accumulate daily once the outside-gate free time is exceeded, on a sliding scale similar to demurrage.
| Days Past Free Time | Typical Daily Rate |
|---|---|
| Days 1-4 | $150-$225/container/day |
| Day 5 onward | $350+/container/day |
| Carrier-owned container (COC) | Subject to standard per diem structure above |
| Shipper-owned/leased container (SOC) | Not subject to carrier per diem; lessor may apply separate terms |
Standard free time outside the gate is typically 3-5 business days, after which the daily rate steps up sharply at the day-5 threshold.
Risk mitigation / operational guidance
- Use street turns where possible — pair an import container return with an active export booking via the same motor carrier, avoiding a port drop entirely and eliminating per diem exposure on that unit.
- Schedule dual-transaction gate runs that bring an empty container in while pulling a loaded one out in the same terminal visit, reducing the number of separate trips needed to stay within free time.
- Set automated alerts 48 hours before the equipment Last Free Day so dispatch can react before per diem begins accruing.
- Confirm whether each container is carrier-owned (COC) or shipper-owned/leased (SOC) at booking, since SOC units follow the lessor's separate per-diem terms rather than the carrier's standard structure.
- During known chassis shortage periods, build extra buffer days into return planning, since depot congestion extends the time between container availability and actual return regardless of drayage scheduling.