Disclaimer: Demurrage and Detention apply to Full Container Load (FCL) Shipments only.
Demurrage is a charge levied by the shipping line to the importer in cases where the forwarding agent has not taken the full container out of the port/terminal area for unpacking/delivery within the allowed free days. This incurs penalties, which are applied per container as well as per day after a designated free time, which varies from carrier to carrier.
Detention is a fee that needs to be paid to the shipping line for the late return of containers. These fees are also applied per container as well as per day after a designated free time, which varies from carrier to carrier.
Demurrage and Detention charges may be caused due to a variety of reasons:
→ Hive did not receive the documents (Commercial invoice, Packing List, and any other relevant documents) in time for customs clearance.
→ Documentation (Commercial invoice and Packing List) received by Hive is incorrect, insufficient, or contains discrepancies, ie. HS codes are invalid, Insufficient description of goods, discrepancies in the quantities listed on the Packing List and the quantities listed on the Bill of Lading, etc.
→ The container has been stopped by customs, police, or other authorities for inspection of the cargo, which may take longer than expected.
→ External disruptions to transport for final deliveries, ie. Goods not clearing customs on time to make the railway operators cut-off, a nationwide rail strike affecting the scheduled train schedule, postponing the transportation by several days, etc.
→ A dispute between the shipper and consignee, affecting the release of the goods *(very rare case)*
While these reasons may not be solely attributable to one party, such as the consignee or shipper, the responsibility for demurrage charges and their settlement typically falls upon the consignee.
Please see our forwarder's rates for demurrage and detention below. Please note there are no handling fees charged on top of these additional charges.
These rates apply for Full Container Load shipments (FCLs) arriving in Germany.