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

In United States, published demurrage free time for a 40ft import container is 0–5 calendar days and detention free time is 4 days, across Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Yang Ming. After free time, demurrage & detention charges accrue per container per day.

Published demurrage and detention free time for import containers to United States, compared across 4 carrier(s), based on tariffs covering 19 port(s). Free days = the calendar days before D&D charges begin.

CarrierDemurrage (40ft)Detention (40ft)Demurrage (20ft)Demurrage (40HC)
Hapag-Lloyd3–43–4
MSC4
Ocean Network Express (ONE)4
Yang Ming0–540–50–5

Free days shown as a range where they vary by port within United States. “—” = not published in our dataset for that combination.

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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 Hapag-Lloyd give in United States?
Hapag-Lloyd publishes 3–4 free day(s) of demurrage for a 40ft import container in United States before charges begin.

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

How many demurrage free days does Yang Ming give in United States?
Yang Ming publishes 0–5 free day(s) of demurrage for a 40ft import container in United States before charges begin.

What is Yang Ming's detention free time in United States?
Yang Ming publishes 4 free day(s) of detention for a 40ft import container in United States.

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 .

By carrier in United States

Hapag-Lloyd → · MSC → · Ocean Network Express (ONE) → · Yang Ming →

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