Detention fees have a simple problem: a bigger bill cannot move a box that cannot move
The Loadstar · Nov 5, 2026
The US Federal Maritime Commission wants research into when charges above compensatory cost actually speed cargo movement. For shippers, the critical distinction is between a delay they can prevent and one they cannot. A container is ready to leave a terminal, the trucker has an appointment, and the importer chooses to wait another day. A rising demurrage charge might change that decision. Now remove the appointment, or put the box under ...
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What this moves
Real friction: delays, added cost, or partial capacity loss.
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