Delayed Containers? Avoid Costly Port Fees & Delays
- accuratelogistics
- Mar 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 11
Port delays cost more than time—they eat into your bottom line.
When containers sit at the port too long, the fees stack up fast—demurrage, storage, rescheduling charges, and missed delivery windows can throw off your timeline and your budget.
At Accurate Logistics Group, we help businesses move freight quickly and avoid costly port delays with proactive scheduling, customs coordination, and real-time visibility.
Here’s what causes delays—and how to stay ahead of them.
What Are Demurrage Fees—and Why Do They Happen?
Demurrage fees are charged when a container isn’t picked up within the port’s designated free time (typically 4–5 days). Once that grace period ends, fees are added daily until the container is moved.
Most common causes include:
Late or missing documentation
Customs holds or inspection delays
Poor communication with carriers or drayage providers
Lack of visibility into container status
Terminal congestion or limited appointment availability
How to Avoid Port Fees and Keep Freight Moving
Preventing delays comes down to planning, visibility, and strong coordination. Here’s how:
1. Schedule Drayage Early
Get on the appointment calendar as soon as you have an estimated arrival time.The earlier you schedule, the lower your risk of missing the pickup window.
Pro tip: Work with a 3PL like Accurate who can handle container release, customs clearance, and drayage as a single, coordinated process.
2. Use Real-Time Tracking Tools
You can’t move what you can’t see. Our TMS (Transportation Management System) gives you live container updates, so you know:
When it arrives at the terminal
How much time you have to retrieve it
What steps are next in the process
3. Check Documentation Ahead of Time
Missing or inaccurate paperwork is one of the most common causes of delay.
Make sure you’ve verified:
Commercial invoices
Packing lists
Customs clearance forms
Assign someone to oversee document readiness—or let our team manage it for you.
4. Build in a Buffer
Even with good planning, things go wrong—weather, port strikes, and seasonal congestion can all cause delays.
Plan for added lead time, especially in Q4 or during high-traffic seasons, to avoid last-minute freight costs and disruptions.
Why Shippers Choose Accurate for Drayage
We manage your entire container journey—from port to final delivery—with fewer headaches and better results.
Pre-scheduled drayage pickups to avoid last-minute scrambling
TMS tracking tools to monitor container status in real time
Customs coordination to ensure documentation is complete and submitted on time
Port-to-warehouse dispatch to keep freight moving efficiently
Don’t Let Fees Pile Up
Every extra day your container sits at the port increases your costs and delivery risks.
Let us help you stay ahead of delays with smarter planning and reliable execution.
Request a Consultation to talk through your drayage strategy
Get a Quote Today and avoid costly port delays before they start
Comments