D and D

Demurrage and detention calculator

Compute the demurrage or detention bill from carrier free-time + tariff + actual hold days. Up to 3 escalation tiers.

Last updated 2026-05-09. Math runs in your browser, no data leaves your computer.

General guidance only, not legal or professional engineering advice. Verify against the cited primary sources (IMDG, REACH, ChAFTA, RCEP, Customs Tariff Act, supplier SDS, etc.) before committing to a shipment, declaration, or contract. Sourzi assumes no liability for outcomes based on these calculators.

D and D in chemical-trade context

Demurrage and detention is the most-missed surcharge at quote time and most often the largest at invoice time. A US Customs hold of 5 days past free time at destination on a 5-container shipment can land at 5 days x 5 containers x 150 to 600 USD per day = 3,750 to 15,000 USD depending on the carrier tariff. The math is unforgiving and stacks fast across multiple containers.

Free time is the carrier-granted window before clocking starts. Standard at most US destinations is 5 days demurrage at the terminal plus 7 days detention on the chassis; some carrier contracts negotiate 7+10 or 10+14 on volume. The contract free time matters far more than the spot rate; getting longer free time is the cheapest D and D mitigation.

Stepped tariffs incentivise faster pickup. The tier-1 rate (days 1 to 5 past free time) is moderate; tier-2 (days 6 to 10) escalates by 50 to 100 percent; tier-3 (above 10) escalates again. The economics nudge the buyer toward releasing within tier 1; cargo that lands in tier 3 is rare and signals a real problem (customs hold, financial dispute, abandonment).

For chemical buyers specifically, planning the buffer between vessel ETA and customs filing is the load-bearing variable. Filing customs entry 5 to 7 working days before vessel ETA gives the broker time to clear and pickup before free time expires. Same-day or next-day filing leaves no buffer for customs queries and lands in tier 1 demurrage almost every time.

Frequently asked

What is demurrage and what is detention?

Demurrage = container held inside the terminal yard past the carrier free-time window. Detention = container held outside the terminal (at the consignee yard) past the carrier free-time window. Both are carrier penalties for tying up carrier-owned equipment.

How are the rates structured?

Stepped: typically 100 to 200 USD per container per day for days 1 to 5 past free time, escalating to 200 to 400 USD per day for days 6 to 10, and 400 to 600 USD per day above 10. Rates vary by carrier, by port, and by container type (reefer, OOG, hazmat surcharged).

What is the typical free time?

Demurrage free time at destination is typically 4 to 7 calendar days. Detention free time on the chassis is typically 5 to 10 calendar days. Some shipper contracts negotiate longer free time on volume; spot bookings get the standard.

Can I dispute D and D after the fact?

Yes, in narrow cases. If the customs hold was caused by carrier-side error (BL with wrong consignee, late VGM filing by carrier), the carrier may waive. If the hold was caused by buyer-side issue (late ISF filing, wrong import broker), there is no waiver. Disputes are easier to settle if the carrier representative is engaged within 48 hours of the bill landing.

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