Container Free Time, Demurrage & Detention in Canada (2026) — Carrier Comparison

In Canada, published demurrage free time for a 40ft import container is 2–3 calendar days and detention free time is 3–4 days, across Maersk, Ocean Network Express (ONE), Yang Ming and ZIM. After free time, demurrage & detention charges accrue per container per day.

Published demurrage and detention free time for import containers to Canada, compared across 4 carrier(s), based on tariffs covering 16 port(s). Free days = the calendar days before D&D charges begin.

Demurrage vs detention — what's the difference?

Demurrage

Charged when a full import container stays inside the terminal past its free days — you haven't picked it up in time. Billed per container per day once free time runs out.

Detention

Charged when you keep the container outside the terminal — being unpacked or awaiting its empty return — longer than allowed. Also billed per container per day.

Free time

The calendar days a carrier lets you hold the container before either charge begins. It varies by carrier, port, container type, and import vs export — the figures on this page are the published import free days.

Frequently asked questions

How many demurrage free days does Maersk give in Canada?
Maersk publishes 2 free day(s) of demurrage for a 40ft import container in Canada before charges begin.

What is Maersk's detention free time in Canada?
Maersk publishes 4 free day(s) of detention for a 40ft import container in Canada.

What is Ocean Network Express (ONE)'s detention free time in Canada?
Ocean Network Express (ONE) publishes 4 free day(s) of detention for a 40ft import container in Canada.

How many demurrage free days does Yang Ming give in Canada?
Yang Ming publishes 3 free day(s) of demurrage for a 40ft import container in Canada before charges begin.

What is Yang Ming's detention free time in Canada?
Yang Ming publishes 3 free day(s) of detention for a 40ft import container in Canada.

How many demurrage free days does ZIM give in Canada?
ZIM publishes 3 free day(s) of demurrage for a 40ft import container in Canada before charges begin.

How we compile this

Figures are taken from each carrier's own published demurrage & detention tariffs and normalised to free days. Terms vary by contract, equipment, and port, and change over time — always confirm with your carrier or BCO contract. Informational only, no warranty. Last updated 2026-07-14.

By carrier in Canada

Maersk → · Ocean Network Express (ONE) → · Yang Ming → · ZIM →

Free time in other countries

Albania · Argentina · Australia · Austria · Bahrain · Bangladesh · Belgium · Benin · Brazil · Brunei · Bulgaria · Cambodia · Cameroon · Chile · China mainland · Colombia · Costa Rica · Côte d’Ivoire · Croatia · Curaçao · Cyprus · Czechia · Denmark · Djibouti · Dominican Republic · Ecuador · Egypt · El Salvador · Estonia · France · Gabon · Gambia · Georgia · Germany · Greece · Guatemala · Guinea · Guyana · Haiti · Honduras · Hong Kong · Hungary · India · Indonesia · Iraq · Ireland · Israel · Italy · Jamaica · Japan · Jordan · Kenya · Kuwait · Latvia · Lebanon · Liberia · Libya · Lithuania · Macao · Malaysia · Mali · Mexico · Morocco · Myanmar (Burma) · Netherlands · Niger · Nigeria · Norway · Oman · Pakistan · Panama · Paraguay · Peru · Philippines · Poland · Portugal · Puerto Rico · Qatar · Romania · Russia · Saudi Arabia · Senegal · Sierra Leone · Singapore · Slovakia · Slovenia · South Africa · South Korea · Spain · Sri Lanka · Sudan · Sweden · Switzerland · Taiwan · Tanzania · Thailand · Trinidad & Tobago · Türkiye · Ukraine · United Arab Emirates · United Kingdom · United States · Uruguay · Venezuela · Vietnam