What is the difference between demurrage, detention, and per diem in intermodal drayage?

Demurrage is assessed by the rail ramp or ocean terminal for containers dwelling inside the facility beyond free time. Detention and per diem are charged by the ocean steamship line or equipment pool for keeping the container or chassis outside the terminal past the allowable free window.

How does EXSPEEDITE Drayage Watch prevent per diem charges?

Drayage Watch automatically calculates Last Free Day (LFD) deadlines based on custom rail and ocean carrier contracts. Dispatchers receive color-coded red/amber/green countdown warnings and automated customer notifications before detention penalties accrue.

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Intermodal Demurrage & Per Diem Defense Calculator

Container rail ramps and port marine terminals charge upwards of $150–$350 per day for dwell violations. Calculate your annual exposure and discover how EXSPEEDITE Drayage Watch automates Last Free Day defense.

Intermodal Fleet Dwell Parameters

Monthly Container / Chassis Moves

Average Yard / Ramp Dwell Days

Allowable Contract Free Time (Days)

Average Daily Demurrage / Storage Rate ($/day)

Chassis Split / Daily Pool Fee ($/day)

Annual Capital Exposure

Current Annual Demurrage & Per Diem Exposure

$1,204,200

Based on 2.5 chargeable penalty days per container

Projected Net Cash Recovery with Drayage Watch (85%)

$1,023,570

$85,297 recovered per month directly back to operating margin

Deploy Drayage Watch On Your Rail & Port Lanes

Schedule a 15-minute live screen share with founder and freight systems architect Scott Elliott to review your active rail ramps and steamship line per diem matrices.

How EXSPEEDITE Drayage Watch Eliminates Dwell Fees

1. Automated Last Free Day (LFD) Countdowns

Never rely on dry-erase boards or spreadsheets. The system ingests EDI 322 and gate receipts to calculate LFD cutoffs across BNSF, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, CSX, and major ports, flagging critical boxes in bright amber and red.

2. Mobile Gate TIR & Interchange Inspection

Drivers capture electronic equipment interchange receipts (EIR/TIR) directly on mobile devices at the terminal gate. Proof of outgate time and chassis condition timestamps protect against disputed per diem invoices.

3. Automated Pass-Through Customer Invoicing

When consignees cause port dwell delays, EXSPEEDITE automatically compiles documented demurrage evidence and appends accessorial charges directly to the freight invoice before delivery.

Book a Live Demo with Scott Elliott Explore Intermodal TMS