Detention and demurrage are the most avoidable costs in container logistics. In this article we walk through five scheduling habits that consistently keep containers out of the penalty window.

1. Book the return slot before pickup

Most detention days accrue because the empty return was left to chance. Reserve the depot slot when you book the load, not after delivery.

2. Track free time per carrier, not per port

Free time varies by carrier contract. Keep a simple table per carrier and set alerts at 60% of the window.

3. Use off-peak gate hours

Night gates clear in minutes, not hours. If your warehouse can receive at 06:00, you save a full day surprisingly often.