Two clocks, not one
Demurrage is charged by the shipping line for keeping its container. Storage is charged by the terminal for the space your container takes. Both usually start after a number of free days, and both are charged per day.
The free days are not the same for every line or terminal, so the first step is to know both numbers for your shipment.
Where the days go
Most avoidable days are lost before anyone touches the container: documents arriving after the vessel, a missing permit, or an entry that has to be corrected. Then examination slots, payment delays and finding a truck add more.
Three habits that save the most
Send documents as soon as the vessel sails, not when it arrives. We check them against the bill of lading and fix problems while the ship is at sea.
Pay charges on the day they are raised. A late payment often means one more storage day.
Book haulage against the expected release date. A container released on Friday that waits for a Monday truck pays for the weekend.
Getting the empty back
Demurrage can continue until the empty container is returned to the line. We return empties for you and send the receipt, so the clock stops.
General guidance, not legal or financial advice. Example article for this demo.