Demurrage and Detention Fees: How to check the storage fees in USA Port?

US Port Demurrage & Detention (DEM/DET) Fee Standards: Complete Guide by Major Ocean Carriers

For importers shipping to the United States, managing US port demurrage and detention fees is critical to maintaining supply chain profitability. Unexpected DEM DET charges can quickly accumulate, turning a profitable shipment into a loss-making endeavor.

What Are Demurrage (DEM) and Detention (DET) Fees?

Understanding the terminology is the first step to cost management:

DEM = Demurrage : Refers to fees charged when cargo exceeds the allowed free time while still in the port terminal or container yard.

DET = Detention : Refers to fees charged when the container is taken out of the port and not returned within the agreed-upon free time period.

DEM & DET Daily Rate Comparison by Carrier

Navigating ocean carrier free time and US destination port detention charges requires staying updated with carrier-specific tariff structures.

Maersk DEM & DET Rates at US Ports

Maersk provides detailed tariff information through their North America import portals, offering clarity on US import container storage fees and per-diem detention rates.

CMA CGM DEM & DET Rates at US Ports

As of August 2026, CMA CGM maintains specific D&D tariffs for US ports. Importers should carefully check the free days and daily rates (20GP/40HQ) to calculate potential demurrage fee per day costs accurately.

COSCO / OOCL DEM & DET Rates at US Ports

These carriers provide online tools where users can input 'UNITED STATES' to access specific demurrage and detention rate sheets.

Common Reasons for DEM/DET Charges & How to Avoid Them

To avoid DEM DET charges on US imports, consider the following strategies:

1. Monitor Last Free Day (LFD) strictly.

2. Coordinate early with drayage carriers to ensure timely Gate In/Gate Out.

3. Negotiate extended free time days at the contract stage if you anticipate high volume.

 

DEM & DET Daily Rate Comparison by Major Ocean Carriers

Maersk

Maersk provides detailed tariff information through their North America import portals, offering clarity on US import container storage fees and per-diem detention rates.

Query Link: https://www.maersk.com.cn/local-information/north-america/united-states-of-america/import

CMA CGM

As of August 2026, CMA CGM maintains specific D&D tariffs for US ports. Importers should carefully check the free days and daily rates. Ensure you check your actual destination port rather than defaulting to the first page.

Query Link: https://www.cma-cgm.com/assets/public/documents/DD_Tariffs_US_06-AUG-2026.pdf

COSCO

Input 'UNITED STATES' to access specific demurrage and detention rate sheets.

Query Link: https://elines.coscoshipping.com/ebusiness/demurrageDetentionTariff

OOCL

Scroll down to find 'Outbound & Inbound Detention' and 'Inbound Demurrage' for费率.

Query Link: http://moc.oocl.com/wls_prs_rp/public/ruleTariff/OOLL-100/E-40-72/display/today

Hapag-Lloyd

Select 'NORTH AMERICA' to display specific US DEM and DET pages for file downloads.

Query Link: https://www.hapag-lloyd.cn/en/online-business/quotation/detention-demurrage/north-america.html

ONE

Uses . Input country, state, origin, and tariff type to query.

Query Link: https://ecomm.one-line.com/one-ecom/prices/basic-tariff?sessLocale=en

Evergreen

Access the official 'Demurrage/Detention Tariff and Policy' PDF file.

Query Link: https://www.evergreen-shipping.us/DMDT_Policy_20260815.pdf

HMM

Use the D&D fee calculator by entering the port name, area, and equipment type.

Query Link: https://www.hmm21.com/e-service/general/tariffRate/DemDetTariff.do

Yang Ming

Use the online solution tool. Select 'NORTH AMERICA' and 'UNITED STATES' to query rates.

Query Link: https://www.yangming.com/en/esolution/price_and_tariff/demurrage_and_detention

ZIM

Use the regional calculator by selecting the country, port, equipment type, and 'IMPORT'.

Query Link: https://www.zimchina.com/tools/demurrage-detention-tariff

Wan Hai

Select the 'US DEM & DET' section to download the latest files.

Query Link: https://www.wanhai.com/views/wli/infolist.xhtml

Matson

Official detention and port-specific demurrage fee schedule.

Query Link: https://www.matson.com.cn/pdf/od/Matson_detention_and_SHA_demurrage.pdf

How to Extend Container Free Time on US Shipments?

Negotiate at the Service Contract Stage: Negotiate for extended free time (e.g., 7–10 days) if you have high volume.

Request Combined Free Time: Pool demurrage and detention days together for greater flexibility.

Utilize Per Diem Merging/Waivers: Work with experienced freight forwarders who hold volume contracts to secure better waivers.

Pre-clear Customs: Submit all documentation (Customs entry, ISF) before vessel arrival to ensure immediate pickup on the Last Free Day.

Secure Reliable Drayage Capacity: Book truckers in advance to prevent containers sitting idle at the port.