Free Demurrage Calculator
Calculate container detention and storage costs.
See how much you could save with automated tracking alerts.
Calculate Your Demurrage Costs
How to Avoid Demurrage Charges
The Problem
- Free time expires fast: Typically 3-5 days at UK ports
- Costs add up quickly: £150/day for 40ft container
- No automatic alerts: You manually check container status
- Customs delays: Unexpected hold-ups cause penalties
- Weekend blindspot: Free time keeps counting
Annual impact: £1,000-£2,000 per container. 10 containers = £10k-£20k wasted annually.
The Solution: Automated Alerts
- 48-72h advance alerts: Know before free time expires
- Real-time tracking: Monitor all containers in one dashboard
- SMS + Email: Never miss a deadline
- Port-specific timings: Accurate free time calculations
- Weekend coverage: Alerts 24/7
Unicorn Currencies customers save £5k-10k annually by avoiding demurrage with FREE container tracking.
Real Customer Example
"We import textiles from India. Before Unicorn Currencies, we paid £1,200 in demurrage on ONE shipment because customs clearance took 8 days and we didn't notice. Now we get alerts 72 hours before free time expires. We haven't paid demurrage in 14 months. Saved us £8,400 last year."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is demurrage?
Demurrage is a fee charged by shipping lines when containers are not collected from the port within the allocated free time period. At UK ports, demurrage charges typically range from £100 to £200 per day per container. The free time period is usually 3-7 days, after which daily charges begin accumulating. These fees compensate the shipping line for the use of their container and port storage space beyond the agreed timeframe.
How does this demurrage calculator work?
Our free demurrage calculator estimates your potential container charges based on three inputs: your UK port (Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway, or Liverpool), container type (20ft, 40ft, or 40ft high cube), and the number of days past the free time period. The calculator uses current average demurrage rates for each port and container size to provide an accurate cost estimate, helping you understand the financial impact of delays.
How can I avoid demurrage fees?
The most effective way to avoid demurrage fees is to use automated container tracking with advance alerts. Unicorn Currencies offers FREE container tracking for import/export businesses with $1M+ annual FX volume. Our system sends SMS and email alerts 48-72 hours before your free time expires, giving you time to arrange collection, resolve customs issues, or coordinate with your freight forwarder. Customers using our tracking save £5,000-£10,000 annually on average.
What is the average demurrage cost in the UK?
UK ports typically charge between £100 and £200 per day per container for demurrage, with rates varying by port and container size. 40ft containers cost more than 20ft containers, and high cube containers attract premium rates. On average, UK businesses lose £5,000 to £10,000 annually due to demurrage charges. A single delayed shipment can cost £1,000-£2,000 in unexpected fees, making proactive container tracking essential for importers.
Does Unicorn Currencies help with demurrage?
Yes, Unicorn Currencies offers FREE container tracking for enterprise customers with $1M+ annual FX volume. Our tracking system is linked directly to your international payments, automatically monitoring shipments and sending 48-72 hour advance alerts before demurrage charges begin. This integrated approach helps businesses avoid unnecessary fees while managing their international trade payments. Customers using our tracking system save an average of £5,000-£10,000 per year in avoided demurrage charges.
$1M+ in Imports? Get FREE Container Tracking
48-72h demurrage alerts. Real-time shipment monitoring. Save £5k-10k annually. For import/export businesses with $1M+ annual FX volume.
FREE container tracking for businesses with $1M+ annual FX volume. Not available for consumer accounts.