Demurrage and detention at Port Everglades are time-based penalty charges: demurrage is billed when your loaded container sits at the terminal past its free time, and detention is billed when you keep the carrier’s equipment too long outside the port. Both are set by the terminal and ocean carrier—not the port authority—so exact 2026 daily rates depend on your carrier’s current tariff. The reliable way to control them is to move fast, not to memorize a rate card.
Demurrage vs. detention—the difference
They are easy to confuse. Demurrage is “the box is still inside the terminal.” Detention is “the box left the terminal but hasn’t come back.” A third charge, per-diem, covers extended chassis use. We break all three down in demurrage vs detention vs per-diem.
How free time works
Each ocean carrier grants a set number of free days after your container is available. Rates then escalate in tiers—the longer it sits, the higher the daily charge climbs. Because 2026 tariffs change by carrier and are updated periodically, confirm current figures on your carrier’s tariff or arrival notice rather than relying on a generic number.
How Port Everglades importers avoid these charges
1. Pre-clear customs
File ISF and your entry before arrival so the container is releasable on discharge. Learn how to avoid demurrage.
2. Book drayage early with gate-time prediction
An asset-based carrier with owned trucks and chassis can pull the box the day it’s available. Go Freight’s AI drayage predicts terminal gate times to grab the earliest appointment.
3. Transload instead of holding equipment
Move goods into your own warehouse and return the empty quickly to stop detention and per-diem.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 2026 demurrage rates at Port Everglades?
Daily rates are set by each ocean carrier and terminal and change over time, so there is no single 2026 figure. Check your carrier’s current tariff or arrival notice for exact amounts, then plan to pick up within free time.
Who charges demurrage—the port or the carrier?
The terminal operator and ocean carrier, based on their tariffs. The port authority does not set your demurrage bill.
Can demurrage be waived?
Sometimes, if the delay was caused by a terminal issue or customs hold outside your control. Document everything and dispute promptly through your carrier.
Beat the clock at Port Everglades. Go Freight’s owned fleet and AI gate-time prediction pull your container fast. Get a quote in minutes or call (786) 445-0150.