Demurrage & Detention Charges in India: How to Calculate and Avoid Them

Demurrage vs Detention: What's the Difference?

• Demurrage — Charges for keeping a container at the port/terminal beyond the free days. The container is still within the port area.
• Detention — Charges for keeping a container outside the port (at your warehouse/factory) beyond the free days.

Typical Free Days at Indian Ports

• Import — 3-7 free days (varies by shipping line and port).
• Export — 3-5 free days for return of empty container.

Demurrage Rate Slabs (Typical)

Rates increase with each slab:

• Days 1-7 after free period: ~$50-100/day per TEU
• Days 8-14: ~$100-200/day per TEU
• Days 15+: ~$200-400/day per TEU

Tips to Avoid D&D Charges

1. Clear customs documents before vessel arrival.
2. Negotiate extra free days with your shipping line.
3. Use Eximly's port congestion alerts to plan around delays.
4. Set up automated demurrage alerts in Eximly — get warned before free days expire.