Free TimeCharges & Tariffs

Container Free Time

Definition: The grace period granted by ocean carriers and terminals during which a container can be held without incurring demurrage or detention charges.

Detailed Freight Guide & Operational Context

Free Time is the contracted window of days provided to shippers and consignees to handle cargo loading, customs clearance, and container equipment repositioning free of charge.

Standard ocean carrier tariffs typically grant between 3 to 7 calendar days of free time for port demurrage (terminal dwell) and 4 to 10 days for equipment detention (off-dock holding). High-volume shippers frequently negotiate extended free time in annual service contracts.

When free time expires, daily demurrage or detention charges begin compounding on the container immediately.

Real-World Example in Practice

A service contract includes 10 days of combined demurrage and detention free time, giving the importer ample breathing room to clear customs and dray the container without penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions about Free Time

How many free days do ocean carriers give?

Carriers typically provide 3 to 7 free days for port demurrage and 4 to 10 free days for detention, depending on the trade lane and customer contract tier.

Do weekends count in container free time?

Depending on the carrier and terminal tariff, free time is calculated on either calendar days (including weekends) or working days. In the US, major terminals exclude federal holidays.

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Related Shipping Terms

Last Free Day

LFD

Demurrage

Detention (Per Diem)

Detention

Container Drayage

Drayage

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