Demurrage and detention costs often start with missed dates. A simple Excel tracker can help centralize the deadlines that matter before charges begin.
Free days and demurrage
Free days are the period allowed before specified charges may apply. The exact rules depend on the carrier, terminal, equipment, contract and location, so the official conditions for each shipment should always be checked.
What to track
- Container or shipment reference
- Arrival or discharge date
- Terminal free days
- Last free day
- Terminal exit date
- Equipment free time
- Empty return date
- Estimated daily rates
How an Excel demurrage calculator helps
Once the key dates are entered, Excel can calculate days beyond the deadline and estimate potential cost exposure. Visual status fields can also flag operations that are approaching the last free day.
The ImportVista Demurrage & Free Days Tracker is built for this workflow and includes deadline calculations, status alerts and estimated charges.
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