Storage Tariff
Import agreements and shipping contracts specify a fixed window of free days during which loaded ocean freight equipment may remain inside the marine terminal. Beyond this allowed free time, carriers assess a daily fee known as container demurrage to encourage the rapid return of their metal boxes. This charge escalates progressively for every day the importer leaves the cargo sitting on the dock after discharge from the vessel.
Ocean carriers impose this tariff to compensate for equipment tie-ups and to prevent terminal congestion.
Customs Delays
Flax shipments from overseas agricultural regions frequently encounter lengthy inspection holds at arrival terminals, which triggers these costly port storage fees. When customs authorities select a container of raw flax or finished linen for physical inspection or laboratory verification, the release process can easily exceed the standard five-day free period. This delay generates container demurrage that the importer must settle before the terminal operator will release the cargo for gate-out.
Shipping lines refuse to waive these fees because the equipment remains unavailable for subsequent export voyages during the inspection hold. Consequently, disputes often arise between the seller and buyer regarding who bears the financial burden of these unanticipated customs delays.
Mitigation Strategy
Pre-clearing shipments through electronic manifest filings represents the most effective method to avoid equipment detention charges. Importers can also negotiate extended free time, sometimes up to ten days, directly with the steamship line during the initial contract negotiations. This buffer provides crucial protection against seasonal port backlogs and administrative delays at the destination terminal.
