Definition
Demurrage is a charge the carrier or terminal levies when a container stays at the port beyond the allotted free time before it is picked up. It is distinct from detention, which applies to equipment kept too long outside the terminal.
Why it matters
Demurrage accrues daily and is almost always avoidable with timely customs release and drayage scheduling. It is a direct cost of slow back-office reaction to arrival documents.
How TIO handles it
TIO tracks arrival and free-time-sensitive next actions on the job so the container moves before demurrage starts.
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