Cost control
Container demurrage charge and storage charge in Tanzania
Two of the most painful costs in importing are container demurrage charge and storage charge. They are avoidable in many cases, but they accumulate quietly while a file waits for documents, duty, or transport. This guide explains what causes each charge and how to reduce your exposure.
- Demurrage is charged by the line; storage is charged by the port/terminal.
- Both start after free time ends and grow every day.
- Most exposure comes from document, duty, or transport delays.
- Easy Cargo TMS surfaces at-risk files before charges build up.
What causes container demurrage charge?
Container demurrage charge is what the shipping line charges when its container is held beyond the agreed free days — for example, when cargo is not cleared and de-stuffed in time. The longer the container is held, the higher the daily rate often climbs.
What causes storage charge?
Storage charge is what the port or terminal charges for cargo occupying space beyond the free period. It is separate from demurrage and can apply even when the line’s container is not involved, such as for loose or break-bulk cargo.
How to reduce exposure
- Collect documents early, before the vessel arrives where possible
- Sequence customs milestones so duty is assessed and paid without gaps
- Release funds for duty and charges on time
- Allocate transport the moment cargo is ready for gate out
How Easy Cargo TMS helps
Easy Cargo TMS shows which files are approaching or past free time, which are waiting on documents or duty, and which are ready for transport. By surfacing at-risk shipments early, the team can act before demurrage and storage charges accumulate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between demurrage and storage charge?
Container demurrage charge is charged by the shipping line for holding its container beyond free days, while storage charge is charged by the port or terminal for cargo occupying space beyond the free period.
How do I avoid demurrage and storage charges?
Collect documents early, sequence customs correctly, fund duty on time, and allocate transport as soon as cargo is ready. Visibility across the file is the best defence.
Bring this into one system
Easy Cargo TMS and Easy Cargo Tracking Systems turn these workflows into one operational platform for clearing, forwarding, and cargo tracking in Tanzania.