1. a charge paid to the owner of a chartered ship on account of failure to load or discharge the ship within the time agreed
Usage: maritime law; shipping
2. a charge for the detention of a freight car, truck, or other cargo vehicle beyond the allowed time for loading or unloading
Usage: transportation; logistics

Examples

• The shipping company had to pay demurrage because the cargo wasn’t unloaded on time.
• Demurrage charges can be expensive if you don’t clear your goods from the port quickly.
• The contract specified that demurrage would be charged after three days of delay.
• To avoid demurrage fees, the trucking company ensured prompt pickup and delivery.
• The port authority collected demurrage from vessels that exceeded their allotted berthing time.
• Demurrage costs were factored into the total shipping expenses for the project.