Freight answersPort
How Long Can a Container Stay at the Port?
Short answer
There is no single limit; three clocks apply. Commercially, a container can sit at the terminal for the free time in the carrier's or terminal's tariff, after which demurrage accrues daily. For customs, cargo not entered may stay at the place of unlading until the 15th calendar day after landing before it goes to a general order warehouse. And cargo left in customs custody for 6 months from importation without duties and charges paid is treated as unclaimed.
The three clocks
| Clock | Limit | What happens after it |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal free time | Set by the carrier's or terminal's tariff or contract | Demurrage accrues per container per day until pickup[3] |
| Customs entry (general order) | Until the 15th calendar day after landing, if not entered | The carrier reports it and a bonded GO warehouse takes it at the consignee's risk and expense[4] |
| Unclaimed merchandise | 6 months in customs custody from the date of importation | Considered unclaimed and abandoned if duties and charges are unpaid[5] |
The first clock is commercial and usually the one that costs money soonest. The FMC describes demurrage as accruing "when a container exceeds free time on a marine terminal,"[1] and every compliant invoice has to show the free time with its start and end dates.[2] The other two are legal deadlines that apply when nobody enters or claims the cargo.
Example
A container lands on the 1st and nobody files entry. Its free time ends on the 5th, so demurrage runs from the 6th. If entry still has not been made by the 15th calendar day after landing, the carrier reports it and it moves to a general order warehouse at the consignee's expense; if it stays unclaimed in customs custody for 6 months, it can be sold.
Limitations
Free-time length and daily rates come from each tariff or contract, not from any national rule. This is general information, not legal advice.
Related
Related terms
- Free TimeFree time is the number of days a container can stay at the terminal, or stay out with the importer, before...Glossary
- DemurrageDemurrage is a charge for a loaded container that stays at the marine terminal after its free time runs out.Glossary
- General OrderGeneral order (GO) is CBP custody for imported cargo that was not entered or released in time; the cargo is...Glossary
- DetentionDetention is a charge for holding equipment beyond the free time allowed: in ocean shipping, for keeping the...Glossary
- Marine Terminal OperatorA marine terminal operator (MTO) runs the wharves, container yards and other terminal facilities that ocean...Glossary
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Related freight problems
Related guides
Sources
- Federal Maritime Commission, “Detention and Demurrage,” Government guidance. Accessed September 2026.
- Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, “46 CFR § 541.6, Contents of invoice,” Federal regulation. Accessed September 2026.
- 3PL Center, “What Is the Last Free Day (LFD)?,” Industry publication. Accessed September 2026.
- Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, “19 CFR § 4.37, General order,” Federal regulation. Accessed September 2026.
- Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, “19 CFR § 127.11, Unclaimed merchandise,” Federal regulation. Accessed September 2026.
General operational information, not legal, customs or regulatory advice. Rules and rates change; confirm current requirements with the agency, carrier or contract that governs your shipment.