Service finderYour next move, made simpler

Find what you need

Choose what you need. We’ll guide you to published options.

  1. 1Your needs
  2. 2A few details
  3. 3Your matches
What would you like to arrange?Choose one or more
Start with what you need
Shipping calculator
← All planning tools

Freight calculator

Demurrage & Detention

Build a practical estimate from your cargo details. Results explain the assumptions and help you prepare a better RFQ.

Free to useNo sign-upEstimate only

Demurrage & Detention Calculator

Calculate demurrage (port storage) and detention (container usage) charges for your shipment.

Charges for cargo remaining at port beyond free time

Import or export shipment

Number of free days before charges apply

Total days cargo/container was held

Charge per day after free time

Understanding Demurrage & Detention

Demurrage: Charges applied when cargo remains at the port/terminal beyond the allowed free time. This is a port/terminal charge.
Detention: Charges applied when you keep the shipping line's container beyond the allowed free time. This is a carrier charge.
Free Time: The number of days allowed (usually 8-12 days) to pick up cargo or return containers without charges.
Tip: Plan your logistics carefully to avoid these charges. They can accumulate quickly and significantly increase your shipping costs.

How D&D charges work in Australia

  • Chargeable days = max(0, actual days − free time). Tiers (e.g. days 1–5, 6–10, 11+) escalate the daily rate — the deeper you go, the more it costs.
  • Demurrage is charged by the terminal/port (e.g. DP World, Patrick, VICT). Detention is charged by the shipping line (e.g. Maersk, COSCO, ONE).
  • Free time at major AU ports is typically 3–7 days for import demurrage and 7–14 days for detention — always confirm in your B/L or carrier contract.
  • ⚠ Reefer / hazardous / OOG (out-of-gauge) containers have shorter free time and higher daily rates — sometimes 3–5× standard.
  • ⚠ Biosecurity (DAFF) holds and customs inspections do NOT pause D&D — the clock keeps running. Pre-clearance helps.
  • Combined “merchant haulage” / “carrier haulage” arrangements can shift detention liability — check who’s responsible at each leg.

Estimates only — final pricing depends on actual cargo, route, season, and carrier capacity. Get a binding quote before committing.

Next steps 🚀

Got the numbers? Validate them with a real Wharvex quote.

Complete Import Calculator Suite for China to Australia Shipping

🚢 Shipping Calculators

  • AI Smart Calculator: Get intelligent shipping recommendations powered by AI
  • Shipping Cost Calculator: Calculate sea and air shipping costs instantly
  • Container Load Optimiser: Optimise 20ft, 40ft, and 40HC container loading
  • Transit Time Calculator: Estimate delivery times for different routes

💰 Cost & Financial Calculators

  • Customs Duty Calculator: Calculate import duties, GST, and clearance costs
  • Break-Even Analysis: Analyse profitability and shipping decisions
  • Insurance Premium: Calculate cargo insurance costs
  • Demurrage & Detention: Calculate container detention charges

📦 Measurement & Planning Tools

  • Volume Calculator: Calculate CBM with unit conversion
  • Weight Calculator: Convert between kg, lbs, tons
  • Pallet Calculator: Calculate pallet dimensions and capacity
  • Warehouse Storage: Estimate storage costs and space

🌱 Sustainability & Compliance

  • Carbon Footprint Calculator: Calculate CO2 emissions for shipments
  • Customs Compliance: HS code lookup and duty calculations
  • Regulatory Support: Australian import requirements
  • Green Shipping: Eco-friendly shipping options

Why Use Wharvex Calculators?

✅

100% Free

All 13 calculators are completely free with no registration required

⚡

Instant Results

Get accurate shipping quotes and estimates in seconds

🎯

Accurate Data

Real-time rates and industry-standard formulas

Need a Custom Quote?

While our calculators provide accurate estimates, every shipment is unique. Get a personalized quote from our import specialists for the most competitive rates and tailored solutions.

Request Free Quote →

Demurrage and detention planning: inputs, method and limitations

Use this calculator to organise a planning scenario and understand how its inputs affect the result. It is most useful when you keep a record of the units, dates and service assumptions. For demurrage and detention planning, the information you enter should describe the actual requirement rather than an idealised example.

Prepare the inputs

Collect the event dates, applicable free time, equipment and the charge schedule supplied for the case. Check that the measurements and quantities use consistent units. If a value is unknown, label it as an assumption and revisit the result when confirmed information becomes available.

Interpret the result

Confirm when each charging period starts and ends, which calendar rules apply and whether different stages use different rates. Keep terminal storage and equipment-related charges separate where their terms differ.

Check before relying on the estimate

The calculation is only as reliable as the dates and tariff assumptions entered. Confirm the applicable terms and actual milestones with the carrier or provider before treating it as the amount payable.

Questions before you proceed

Can I use the result as a confirmed offer?
No. A calculator explains the scenario entered. Ask the responsible provider to confirm the applicable service, method, terms and final commercial offer.
How should I compare two scenarios?
Change one assumption at a time, keep the units and calculation boundaries consistent, and record why the input changed. Confirm the preferred scenario against the actual goods and service requirements.

Find services for your location

Compare provider coverage, prepare a local sourcing or shipping brief and review the costs to include in your enquiry.