Container Detention 20 or 40 Ft Shipping Containers

container detentions

Container Detention Charges

Import & Export shipping containers are used to move the freight on all container ships. The containers are essential for the efficient cargo flow, of all Import & Export cargo.

When the supplies of shipping containers are delayed or are running low due to the late return of the shipping containers, it will impede the efficient flow, of the available containers to the entire supply chain for international cargo. 

To alleviate the delayed or late return of the Containers, detention charges are imposed by the shipping lines for the any containers not returned within the allowed free time period.
Shipping lines may vary their allowable, “free time limits”, but generally it ranges from seven to ten calendar days (including public holidays and weekends) depending on the type of containers used.

When does free time begin?

The “free time” begins from the first day the container is made available at the wharf. This is often a source of contention or misunderstanding as many Importers believe, the “free time” commences when the container is collected from the wharf. 

However, this not correct, as your containers may be made available for collection but you are unable to pick it up as Customs and Quarantine border processing restrictions may still be pending.

Anytime a container is held up in border processing, it is still considered to fall in the “free time” period.

 Please find listed

  1. Import Container detention tariff
  2. Export Container detention tariff

These rates apply to any late Container returns