Charges when a container stands longer than agreed at the port (demurrage) or at the consignee's (detention). Avoidable through clean planning.
Demurrage and detention are charges incurred when a container stands at the port (demurrage) or at the consignee (detention) longer than the agreed free time. They arise from delays — and are avoidable through clean planning.
Demurrage is incurred when the container still stands at the port or terminal after the free time has expired; detention when it stays too long at the consignee after delivery before returning empty. Both accrue per day.
Why this matters for your import.
These charges arise at the end of the chain — where Swiss customs clearance and onward transport come together. Clean planning at this interface keeps them at zero.
How you'll come across the term.
We coordinate clearance and removal so that the container stays within the free time — so that no avoidable standing charges burden your calculation.
Starting customs clearance only once the container is already at the port. We prepare the handling so that the free time is enough.