Demurrage and detention costs often arise because a container stays too long at the terminal or is returned after the equipment free-time period. The exact rules vary by carrier, terminal, equipment and contract, so the first step is to record the official free days for each shipment.
Key dates to track
- Arrival or discharge date
- Terminal free-time start
- Last free day at the terminal
- Terminal exit date
- Equipment free-time start
- Empty-container return deadline
- Actual empty return date
Build a simple Excel control
Use one row per container and calculate the last free day from the agreed free-time allowance. Add status fields such as OK, due soon and in cost, plus estimated daily charges when available.
The ImportVista Demurrage & Free Days Tracker is designed for this workflow, including deadline control and estimated charges.
Why this matters
A centralized view helps logistics teams identify containers that need action before costs start. It also creates a useful historical record for reviewing recurring issues by carrier, terminal or operation.
For broader control across shipments, quotations, landed cost and documentation, see the ImportVista PRO Pack.
Always verify official free-time rules and tariff scales for each shipment.