Container demurrage and detention charges: how to check and dispute them

Atlas Claims InsightsPublished 14 October 2026 · Reviewed 14 October 2026 · 4 min read

Container demurrage and detention charges can escalate quickly, and invoices sometimes arrive weeks after the containers have been returned. Many are correct, but a meaningful share contain errors or charges that can be negotiated.

What the charges are

• Demurrage: usually charged for full containers left in the terminal beyond the free time.
• Detention: usually charged for keeping the carrier’s containers outside the terminal beyond the free time.

The basis is the carrier’s tariff together with the bill of lading terms or the service contract.

What to check

• Which tariff version applied on the relevant dates.
• The free time agreed, including any extension in your service contract.
• Gate-in, gate-out and discharge dates against your own records.
• Whether weekends and public holidays were treated as the tariff says.

When charges may be disputed

• The delay was caused by the carrier, such as late release or equipment problems.
• The terminal was congested or closed and the container could not be collected or returned.
• The invoice applies the wrong free time or tariff.
• The charges are disproportionate to the carrier’s actual position, depending on the applicable law and regulation.

How to respond

Dispute the invoice in writing promptly, ask for the full calculation and supporting records, and propose a settlement where some charges are justified. Keep a log of every attempt to collect or return the containers.

This guide is general information about the law of England and Wales as at October 2026. It is not legal advice and may not cover your situation. Atlas Claims is not a law firm; for advice on your legal rights or on litigation, consult a qualified solicitor.