Laden and Empty Containers: Free Time and Charges

Laden and empty containers

An empty container is collected from the depot the carrier nominates, and its condition is recorded on the equipment interchange receipt when it is picked up. A laden container has been loaded, secured, weighed, and sealed with a customs seal, and is ready to be loaded onto the vessel.

The gate-in and empty-return cycle

1. Collect the empty container from the nominated depot against the equipment release, checking the box jointly and recording it on the interchange receipt.
2. Move it to the factory at the agreed time, avoiding loading in rain or snow.
3. Load, secure, brace, and count the cargo for the container type and the goods.
4. Weigh it, apply the seal, and record the seal number. Address any overweight issue before gate-in.
5. Return the laden container to the depot or take it straight to the terminal, submitting container and seal numbers.
6. Declare for export and make sure the release message reaches the terminal so the box is accepted before the cut-off.

Overweight containers

An overweight container runs into two separate sets of limits: the container's own maximum gross weight and the carrier's or terminal's operating limit, which decide whether it can be shipped, and road vehicle limits, which decide whether it can leave the factory gate.

Demurrage and storage compared

Demurrage and detention look at the equipment, because a carrier's box sitting idle or tied up disrupts its fleet rotation. Storage looks at space, because the cargo or container is occupying terminal or depot ground. The two can run at the same time, and commonly do when clearance at destination is slow.

How free time is counted

• Origin free time. Runs from the day the empty container is collected until the laden container is gated back in or loaded, covering pick-up, loading, and return.
• Destination free time. Runs from discharge or collection until the empty container is returned, covering clearance, collection, stripping, and return.
• Split periods. Some carriers split free time, for example a number of days after pick-up and a number of days before loading. Ask for the written terms.
• Extensions. In special cases a carrier will extend free time, usually on application in advance and often for a fee.

Closing the loop: pick-up to return

1. Collect the empty container against the equipment release, recording its condition and taking photographs.
2. Load at the factory, securing and weighing the cargo, and record the container and seal numbers.
3. Gate the laden container back in or deliver it to the terminal, submitting the numbers and cooperating with weighing.
4. Load onto the vessel once released and gated in before the cut-off.
5. Strip at destination after the consignee has cleared and collected the container.
6. Return the empty container to the nominated depot within free time and obtain the return receipt.

Container damage and contamination

Responsibility for dents, distortion, or contamination during the container's movement turns on the equipment interchange receipt at pick-up and at return. Damage that was not recorded at pick-up is attributed to the party that collected it.

• Inspect at pick-up. Check the shell, doors, floor, seals, and corner castings, and record and photograph anything unusual on the spot.
• Clean before loading. Clear any residue, odour, or moisture before loading, so the cargo is not contaminated.
• Protect during loading. Use dunnage for sharp cargo and moisture barriers for damp goods so the floor and walls are not damaged.
• Check before return. Clear loose material and raise any damage with the depot in advance rather than on arrival.