Cost structure / standard tiers
Both fee types use escalating daily tiers, but starting points and rates differ.
| Location | Typical Free Time | Days 1-3 Rate | Days 4+ Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine terminal (demurrage) | 3-5 days | $150-$200/day | $300-$400/day |
| Rail ramp storage | 2-3 days | $100-$175/day | $250-$350/day |
| Rail ramp (chassis-required moves) | Often shorter, 1-2 days | $50-$100/day additional chassis fee | Escalates with chassis pool detention |
Because rail free time often starts upon the container being made available (not necessarily upon train arrival), shippers tracking only the train ETA can miss the actual start of the rail storage clock by a day or more.
Risk mitigation / operational guidance
For IPI shipments, obtain the rail ramp's specific free-time policy from the rail carrier separately from the ocean carrier's port-side free time — these are independent and the rail free time often begins after the ocean free time has already been consumed in transit. Set up rail ramp availability notifications directly from the rail carrier's tracking system, since "available" status at the ramp (not train arrival) is what starts the storage clock. When comparing total transit cost for direct port drayage versus IPI rail routing, include the rail ramp's shorter free-time window and its storage rate tiers in the comparison — a routing with a lower base rate can still result in higher total cost if free time is consistently exceeded. Coordinate drayage pickup appointments at rail ramps in advance, since ramp appointment availability can be more constrained than at marine terminals, increasing the risk of missing the shorter free-time window.