Free days
Free time
Free days are the period a container may be used or held without detention or demurrage charges. The carrier's tariff or a contract sets the allowance.
What it is
Free days, also called free time, are the number of days a shipper or consignee may hold a carrier's container, or leave it in the terminal, before detention or demurrage begins. The allowance is set in the carrier's tariff and can be changed by a service contract or a negotiated concession for a particular customer, booking or bill of lading.
How it works in practice
Detention free days and demurrage free days are counted separately unless the carrier offers a combined allowance. The start event, the counting of calendar or working days, and the treatment of holidays differ by carrier and port. Extra free days are often requested at booking stage for slow-clearing cargo or long inland hauls, and the carrier or its principal normally has to approve them before they apply.
Why it matters
The free day count decides when charges start, so one day's difference changes an invoice. Agents acting for a line must apply the line's standard allowance unless they hold written approval for more, and need to show that approval if the line questions a waived amount. Recording free days per container, with the approval reference, keeps delivery order validity and detention billing consistent with what was agreed.
In Sailix
How Sailix handles it
Sailix has a Free Days Configuration screen that sets basic or extended free days for import or export against a B/L or booking. Each container line holds detention, demurrage and final invoice free days with an approval reference and date. Configurations go to a Free Days Approvals list for approval on behalf of the line, and import delivery order validity is the discharge date plus free days.
- Free days managementRecord extra free days per container against a B/L or booking, route them for approval, and keep import detention waivers.
- Detention and demurrageSlab tariffs by line and port drive detention on delivery orders and extensions, with invoices and waivers on record.
- Approval workflowsApproval queues for new customers, B/L issue before receipt, delivery order release or extension, and extra free days.
Related terms
- DetentionDetention is a charge for keeping a carrier's container outside the port or terminal beyond the free time. It runs until the empty is returned or the full is gated in.
- DemurrageDemurrage is a charge for a container or cargo left inside the port or terminal beyond free time. It applies before pickup on import or loading on export.
- Delivery orderA delivery order is the carrier's or agent's instruction to release cargo or containers to the consignee. It is addressed to the terminal, depot or CFS and names the consignee or its agent.
Get started
Put your whole shipping desk on one system.
Create your workspace and run your first job from booking to settlement.