Waiver for Detention and Demurrage
Many shipments pick up both charges: demurrage at the port, then detention once the container leaves. Treat them as one story, with one timeline and one request, and you get a clearer case and a cleaner negotiation.
Detention and demurrage side by side
Same container, same shipment, two different clocks.
| Aspect | Demurrage | Detention |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the container? | Inside the port or terminal | Outside the terminal |
| Clock starts | From discharge, under the line’s terms | From gate-out |
| Clock stops | At gate-out | At empty return to the depot |
| Charged by | Shipping line | Shipping line |
| Typical causes | Customs clearance, Delivery Order delay, port congestion | Slow unloading, depot refusal, transport delay |
| Read more | Shipping line demurrage | Shipping line detention |
Start with your situation
Pick the closest match for a guide that fits your case.
How we prepare a combined waiver request
Build one timeline
From discharge to empty return, every day is mapped and labelled with its cause.
Split the days by charge
Each day is placed under demurrage or detention, so the right argument is made for the right charge.
Attach the evidence
Customs records, line emails, depot records and notices are tied to the days they explain.
Send one clear request
A single, organised request avoids contradictions between two claims.
Negotiate and confirm
We seek a revised invoice or credit note in writing before you pay.
What to expect from us
Waivers are decided by the party that charged you. We think you should know exactly what we can and cannot do.
What we do
- Review the bill for errors in dates, rates and free days
- Build the timeline and the evidence file
- Write and send a strong, specific request
- Negotiate and follow up until you have a written answer
- Help you tighten the process so it does not repeat
What nobody can honestly promise
- A guaranteed waiver
- A fixed percentage reduction
- A decision by a set date
- A result on weak or missing evidence
What to send for a first review
- Bill of Lading (master and house, if any)
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of Entry and Customs query / examination records
- Delivery Order and its validity dates
- Shipping line or terminal invoice (demurrage / detention / storage)
- Container numbers with gate-in, gate-out and empty return dates
- Free-time terms from the booking, contract or line tariff
- Emails, notices and screenshots showing why the delay happened
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a waiver for detention and demurrage together?
Yes. Many cases involve both charges. A single request with one timeline is usually clearer, as long as each day is tied to the right charge and the right reason.
What is the difference between detention and demurrage?
Demurrage applies while the container is inside the port or terminal. Detention applies once it is outside and until the empty container is returned.
Do I have to pay before I ask for a waiver?
Policies vary by line, and some release cargo only after payment. Ask early, ask in writing, and where possible get the outcome confirmed before paying.
How much can I save?
That depends entirely on the cause of the delay, the evidence and the line. We will tell you honestly after reviewing your documents.
Which shipments suit a waiver request best?
Those where the delay clearly came from a Customs hold, a line-side error, a closure or a depot refusal, and where you have dated records to show it.
What should I do first?
Collect the invoice and your container dates, then call or message us. The sooner we see the case, the more options remain.
Share your invoice. Get a straight answer.
Send the charges, container numbers and a short note on what caused the delay. We will tell you whether the bill looks contestable and what we would do next.
- +91-9004826348
- info@demurrageanddetentionconsultant.in
- 18/E, 2nd Floor, Rajabahadur Mansion, Ambalal Doshi Marg, Near BSE, Fort, Mumbai - 400001, India
