Sea Freight Import Full Container Load (FCL)
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​What is demurrage and detention and why am I being charged?

When importing, demurrage is a charge levied by the shipping line to the importer in cases where they have not taken delivery of the full container and move it out of the port/terminal area within the allowed free days.
The reference point for calculating demurrage is Container Discharge at port of arrival to Container Gate Out at the port terminal, both days are included in the respective days of free time.
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When importing, detention is charged by shipping companies to the importer for the use of their containers outside the free period after they have left the terminal.
The reference point for calculating detention is Container Gate Out at the port terminal to Container Empty Gate In, both days are included in the respective days of free time.
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Different tariffs for different periods and sizes of containers apply, the respective Forto tariffs are displayed in the table below.

Further information and tips on how to avoid these charges are up on our Forto blog.

Germany Import, Sea Freight FCL Demurrage & Detention (calculation example, see General Tariff above for current rates)

Disclaimer: The prices and periods shown above are only valid exclusively for ISO Norm containers, not for dangerous goods and/or special equipment. The costs for this are available upon request.
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​What is detention and demurrage? And why am I being charged?

In export, detention is charged by shipping companies to the exporter for the use of their containers outside the free period before entering the port.
The reference points for calculating detention is Container Empty Gate Out to Container Gate In at the port terminal, both days are included in the respective days of free time.

In export, demurrage is a charge levied by the shipping line to the exporter in cases where the full container remains inside the port/terminal area longer than the allowed free days (e.g. when the container is delivered to the port too early).
The reference points for calculating demurrage is Container Gate In at the port terminal until ship departure, both days are included in the respective days of free time.
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Different tariffs apply for different periods and container sizes, these are shown in the General Tariff linked below.
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Detention and Detention - Export (calculation example, see General Tariff for current rates):

Disclaimer: The prices and periods shown above are only valid exclusively for ISO Norm containers, not for dangerous goods and/or special equipment. The costs for this are available upon request.
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The standard delivery time for imported sea and air freight is 48 hours from the time of acceptance of the goods at the port. Usually, the acceptance of goods takes place one working day after receipt of the customs clearance. Fixed delivery dates can be agreed against charge.

As the terms of the delivery are limited to the sidewalk of the road and this means that the responsibility for unloading lies on the receiver's side, e.g. a lifting platform, loading ramp and/or forklift is recommended for unloading. A Lifting platform fee applies if the consignee does not provide loading capabilities at the point of discharge. Then, a lifting platform is necessary for loading/unloading.

The proof of delivery is a document proving the proper delivery of a consignment. The document is issued by the freight forwarder prior to transport and the recipient then acknowledges the proper delivery of the consignment.

A fee for an advance shipping notice is due when the trucker notifies the consignee via telephone about the arrival time of shipment on the day of delivery.
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What charges might occur and why am I being charged?
A Courier service fee occurs if the service of sending documents (e.g. original Bill of Lading) from/to Forto is used.

A Waiting time fee is due when the agreed time of loading/unloading during on-carriage outside of the terminal is exceeded. If this happens against contractual agreements or reasons out of the freight forwarder's area of responsibility the consignee is charged by the freight forwarder.

A Storage fee for air freight is a fee charged by the handling agent if the shipment is not collected from the airport/terminal area within the permitted free hours. The reference point for calculating the storage fee for import/export is the actual time of arrival at the airport. The amount of the fee depends on weight and storage time.

An Advance Commission fee is due when customs duties, taxes (other charges) occur while importing a shipment. Forto advances these fees on behalf of the customer. The advance commission fee is 2% of the advances amount and will be disclosed on the customs invoice (valid under further notice).
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Disclaimer: The prices and periods shown above are only valid exclusively for ISO Norm containers, not for dangerous goods and/or special equipment. The costs for this are available upon request.