Demurrage is the charge that shipping lines or port authorities levy when a container remains in the terminal beyond the allotted "free days." It acts as a liquidated damage payment for the space occupied at the terminal.

The Logistics Workflow:

• Discharge: The container is unloaded from the vessel onto the terminal quay.
• Free-Time Clock: Typically 3-7 days granted by the carrier to clear customs and "Gate-Out".
• Accrual: Once free-time expires, daily storage rates apply�often in progressive slabs.

Managing demurrage is critical for importers. A delay in document turnaround or customs inspection can result in charges that quickly exceed the actual value of the freight itself. This calculator provides the baseline financial exposure for planning purposes.