A container costs money while it sits. Knowing which clock is running changes how you plan.
The two clocks
Broadly: demurrage relates to the container sitting at the terminal beyond the free period, and detention relates to keeping it after collection. Terms vary between carriers — check yours rather than assuming.
Where time gets lost
- Booking too few people and running past the window.
- Not having the destination space cleared.
- Forklift unavailable or no licensed operator on shift.
- Counting and scanning stock during the unload instead of after.
Build in margin
If the window is tight, put on more people than the minimum. The extra labour is almost always cheaper than the charges, and you get the afternoon back.
Need this done in Perth?
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