Shipping to and from United States of America
Your complete guide to shipping to and from United States of America. Find the right route, get Maersk office locations, discover local solutions, payment options and more.
Import
Get up-to-date local information about import procedures and restrictions, demurrage and detention, container drop-offs and more.
Country: United States
Direction: Import
Expiry Date: Until further notice
Free time: Working Day basis defined as any day a gate is open for container pickup Monday – Saturday. Partial day closures are considered as a full working day and count towards freetime. In the event a terminal closes on a day due to lack of appointment demand, that day shall be considered a working day for containers a party had an opportunity to make a timely appointment for, but chose not to do so. If a party made an appointment for a container but the terminal was closed, then that date shall not be considered a Working Day with respect to that container.
Currency: USD
Invoiced: Working Day basis defined as any day a gate is open for container pickup. Partial day closures are considered as a full working day and count towards chargeable days. In the event a terminal closes on a day due to lack of appointment demand, that day shall be considered a working day for containers a party had an opportunity to make a timely appointment for, but chose not to do so. If a party made an appointment for a container but the terminal was closed, then that date shall not be considered a Working Day with respect to that container.
Application: The free time & charges applied will be those in place on the origin price calculation date (PCD)
Please note the below provides a general overview of our import demurrage and detention practices in the U.S. For complete details please refer to our tariff here. In the event of any discrepancies between the below and our public tariff, the public tariff prevails.
FREE TIME: “Free Time” is the period agreed between the Carrier and the Merchant for which Demurrage and Detention shall not be paid by the Merchant.
DETENTION: Compensation payable when the Merchant holds Carrier's Container outside the port, terminal or depot beyond the agreed amount of Free Time.
DEMURRAGE: is the daily charge assessed to the shipper or motor carrier for use of the land and equipment services provided at the carrier’s load/discharge port, or inland container yard (CY) facility, when the cargo remains in such facilities beyond the permitted free time as stipulated per tariff or contract. At rail ramps where Carrier allows storage to be paid directly to facilities for land use according to the ramp’s terms and conditions, Carrier demurrage is the daily charge assessed to the shipper or motor carrier for use of equipment only when the cargo remains in such facilities beyond the permitted free time as stipulated per tariff or contract.
Name | Start | End |
---|---|---|
Name
Demurrage
|
Start
Free time will commence the first 0800 on the first business day following discharge of the container at an ocean terminal, or the arrival of a container at a rail ramp or an inland CY (owned or contracted by Carrier), except in: At Ocean Ports, Inland CY Locations and CY Rail Facilities Working Day are defined as any day a gate is open for container pickup. |
End
Ends on the day that the full container is gated-out of the terminal.
|
Name
Detention
|
Start
Free time for carrier’s equipment commences on the day equipment departs from carrier’s container yard. At Ocean Ports, Inland CY Locations and CY Rail Facilities Working Day are defined as any day a gate is open for container return Monday – Saturday. |
End
Ends on the day that the empty container is gated-in at the agreed port or terminal. For store-door move only consignees may at their own discretion notify the carrier when the container is empty and available for pick-up from the consignee's designated delivery facility. Notifications must be sent via the website. Carrier will stop the detention clock effective the day notification is received |
Useful links:
- Book your shipments online via SPOT at a fixed price and with a loading guarantee to know when they will arrive. Maersk Spot now also includes extendable Free time options. Start Now.
- Note that SPOT terms are those accepted at the time the booking is confirmed and are not necessarily aligned with the standard tariff. For details how to extend your DnD Free time at destination, click here. DnD Tariff information can be found via Instant Price Search or during booking process.
- To view free days and last free date information for containers, along with pickup and return location basis click here: D&D Calculator
- Please find the Activity Location codes for Demurrage and Detention Invoices below.
Tariff
- Reefer demurrage includes plug-in/electricity charges.
- Reefer container with IMO follows Reefer.
- Non-operating reefer (NOR) is considered as Dry Container.
Non-operating reefer (NOR) is considered as Dry Container for both Demurrage and Detention. - Shipper's own containers (SOC) and Tanks are not subject to detention and are subject to demurrage at some locations.
- For Shipper’s own containers (SOC) and Tanks at non NWK locations, we have a single SOC DMR rate (no matter cntr/cargo type). At NWK locations, we have a separate SOC DMR rate and a Tank DMR rate.
Import Demurrage
- At rail ramp locations, all storage is settled directly with the rail provider according to the ramps terms and conditions.
- At inland port locations owned by ports (ie. Greer, SC and Front Royal,VA) free time and demurrage charges are according to Maersk’s tariff levels for ocean terminals.
- In addition, for CY deliveries at rail ramps collecting storage according to the ramps terms and conditions, demurrage will be assessed by Maersk for equipment use only after the free time as indicated below.
- When a facility is closed for a full working day during the freetime period, the day will not count against the cargo freetime or for demurrage charges. Partial day closures are considered as a full working day and count towards freetime and demurrage charges.
- Please check with the terminal location for all terminal pickup procedures and to validate cargo is available for pickup. Our terminal partner websites and additional information on demurrage payment can be found here.
Dry Containers and Non-Operating Reefers *excluding Newark/Miami
Days | 20' | 40' | 45' |
---|---|---|---|
Days
Day 1 to 4
|
20'
Free
|
40'
Free
|
45'
Free
|
Days
Day 5 to 8
|
20'
260 USD
|
40'
260 USD
|
45'
260 USD
|
Days
Day 9 to 13
|
20'
305 USD
|
40'
305 USD
|
45'
305 USD
|
Days
Day 14+
|
20'
350 USD
|
40'
350 USD
|
45'
350 USD
|
Reefer, Special Equipment *excluding Newark/Miami
Days | 20' | 40' | Special |
---|---|---|---|
Days
Day 1 to 2
|
20'
Free
|
40'
Free
|
Special
Free
|
Days
Day 3 to 5
|
20'
430 USD
|
40'
430 USD
|
Special
420 USD
|
Days
Day 6 to 9
|
20'
530 USD
|
40'
530 USD
|
Special
520 USD
|
Days
Day 10+
|
20'
580 USD
|
40'
580 USD
|
Special
570 USD
|
Shipper Owned *excluding Newark/Miami
Days | 20' | 40' | 45' |
---|---|---|---|
Days
Day 1 to 4
|
20'
Free
|
40'
Free
|
45'
Free
|
Days
Day 5 to 8
|
20'
215 USD
|
40'
215 USD
|
45'
215 USD
|
Days
Day 9 to 13
|
20'
260 USD
|
40'
260 USD
|
45'
260 USD
|
Days
Day 14+
|
20'
305 USD
|
40'
305 USD
|
45'
305 USD
|
APM Terminal in Port Elizabeth New Jersey, PNCT (Port Newark Container Terminal), Global Terminal Jersey City, Maher Newark Terminal, Global Container Terminal, Bayonne, New Jersey and Howland Hook, Staten Island, New York.
Days | Dry / Non-Operating Reefer 20’ & 40’ | Dry / Non-Operating Reefer 45’ & Above | Dry Shipper Owned Containers (Excluding Tanks) |
---|---|---|---|
Days
Day 1 to 4
|
Dry / Non-Operating
Reefer 20’ & 40’
Free
|
Dry / Non-Operating
Reefer 45’ & Above
Free
|
Dry Shipper Owned
Containers (Excluding
Tanks)
Free
|
Days
Day 5 to 8
|
Dry / Non-Operating
Reefer 20’ & 40’
330 USD
|
Dry / Non-Operating
Reefer 45’ & Above
390 USD
|
Dry Shipper Owned
Containers (Excluding
Tanks)
245 USD
|
Days
Day 9 to 13
|
Dry / Non-Operating
Reefer 20’ & 40’
435 USD
|
Dry / Non-Operating
Reefer 45’ & Above
510 USD
|
Dry Shipper Owned
Containers (Excluding
Tanks)
295 USD
|
Days
Day 14 to 33
|
Dry / Non-Operating
Reefer 20’ & 40’
570 USD
|
Dry / Non-Operating
Reefer 45’ & Above
600 USD
|
Dry Shipper Owned
Containers (Excluding
Tanks)
465 USD
|
Days
Day 34+
|
Dry / Non-Operating
Reefer 20’ & 40’
705 USD
|
Dry / Non-Operating
Reefer 45’ & Above
885 USD
|
Dry Shipper Owned
Containers (Excluding
Tanks)
625 USD
|
Days | Special | Operating Reefers | Tanks |
---|---|---|---|
Days
Day 1 to 2
|
Special
Free
|
Operating Reefers
Free
|
Tanks
Free
|
Days
Day 3 to 5
|
Special
570 USD
|
Operating Reefers
650 USD
|
Tanks
420 USD
|
Days
Day 6 to 8
|
Special
740 USD
|
Operating Reefers
800 USD
|
Tanks
585 USD
|
Days
Day 9+
|
Special
820 USD
|
Operating Reefers
1050 USD
|
Tanks
650 USD
|
Miami, Florida
Days | Dry / Non-Operating Reefer | Dry Shipper Owned Containers (Excluding Tanks) |
---|---|---|
Days
Day 1 to 4
|
Dry / Non-Operating
Reefer
Free
|
Dry Shipper Owned
Containers (Excluding
Tanks)
Free
|
Days
Day 5 to 8
|
Dry / Non-Operating
Reefer
310 USD
|
Dry Shipper Owned
Containers (Excluding
Tanks)
225 USD
|
Days
Day 9 to 13
|
Dry / Non-Operating
Reefer
415 USD
|
Dry Shipper Owned
Containers (Excluding
Tanks)
275 USD
|
Days
Day 14 to 33
|
Dry / Non-Operating
Reefer
530 USD
|
Dry Shipper Owned
Containers (Excluding
Tanks)
425 USD
|
Days
Day 34+
|
Dry / Non-Operating
Reefer
665 USD
|
Dry Shipper Owned
Containers (Excluding
Tanks)
575 USD
|
Days | Special | Operating Reefers | Tanks |
---|---|---|---|
Days
Days 1 to 2
|
Special
Free
|
Operating Reefers
Free
|
Tanks
Free
|
Days
Day 3 to 5
|
Special
535 USD
|
Operating Reefers
595 USD
|
Tanks
395 USD
|
Days
Day 6 to 8
|
Special
690 USD
|
Operating Reefers
740 USD
|
Tanks
550 USD
|
Days
Day 9+
|
Special
790 USD
|
Operating Reefers
970 USD
|
Tanks
650 USD
|
Rail Ramps Dry/Non-Operating Reefers
Days | 20' | 40' |
---|---|---|
Days
Days 1 to 3
|
20'
Free
|
40'
Free
|
Days
Day 4 to 7
|
20'
160 USD
|
40'
160 USD
|
Days
Day 8 to 11
|
20'
220 USD
|
40'
220 USD
|
Days
Day 12+
|
20'
250 USD
|
40'
250 USD
|
Rail Ramps Operating Reefers
Days | 20' | 40' |
---|---|---|
Days
Days 1 to 3
|
20'
Free
|
40'
Free
|
Days
Day 4 to 6
|
20'
350 USD
|
40'
350 USD
|
Days
Day 7+
|
20'
455 USD
|
40'
455 USD
|
Rail Ramps Special Equipment
Days | 20' | 40' |
---|---|---|
Days
Days 1 to 3
|
20'
Free
|
40'
Free
|
Days
Day 4 to 6
|
20'
330 USD
|
40'
330 USD
|
Days
Day 7+
|
20'
435 USD
|
40'
435 USD
|
Applicable to operating reefer cargo at the Port of Hueneme, CA and for the commodity meat at all U.S. ocean terminals except: Baltimore, MD, Boston, MA, Jacksonville, FL, Mobile, AL, Newark, NJ, Port Everglades, FL, Staten Island, NY
Days | 20' | 40' |
---|---|---|
Days
Day 1 to 4
|
20'
Free
|
40'
Free
|
Days
Day 5
|
20'
430 USD
|
40'
430 USD
|
Days
Day 6 to 9
|
20'
530 USD
|
40'
530 USD
|
Days
Day 10+
|
20'
580 USD
|
40'
580 USD
|
*excluding Newark/Miami – excludes APM Terminal in Port Elizabeth New Jersey, PNCT (Port Newark Container Terminal), Global Terminal Jersey City, Maher Newark Terminal, Global Container Terminal, Bayonne, New Jersey and Howland Hook, Staten Island, New York), Miami, Florida.
** Newark/Miami – includes APM Terminal in Port Elizabeth New Jersey, PNCT (Port Newark Container Terminal), Global Terminal Jersey City, Maher Newark Terminal, Global Container Terminal, Bayonne, New Jersey and Howland Hook, Staten Island, New York), Miami, Florida.
Import Detention
Dry Containers and Non-Operating Reefers
Days | 20' | 40’ | 45’ |
---|---|---|---|
Days
Day 1 to 4
|
20'
Free
|
40’
Free
|
45’
Free
|
Days
Day 5 to 8
|
20'
155 USD
|
40’
155 USD
|
45’
155 USD
|
Days
Day 9 to 12
|
20'
205 USD
|
40’
205 USD
|
45’
205 USD
|
Days
Day 13+
|
20'
235 USD
|
40’
235 USD
|
45’
235 USD
|
Reefer, Special Equipment
Days | Operating Reefer | Special Equipment |
---|---|---|
Days
Day 1 to 3
|
Operating Reefer
Free
|
Special Equipment
Free
|
Days
Day 4 to 6
|
Operating Reefer
350 USD
|
Special Equipment
330 USD
|
Days
Day 7+
|
Operating Reefer
455 USD
|
Special Equipment
435 USD
|
Applicable to operating reefer cargo at the Port of Hueneme, CA and for the commodity meat at all U.S. ocean terminals except: Baltimore, MD, Boston, MA, Jacksonville, FL, Mobile, AL, Newark, NJ, Port Everglades, FL, Staten Island, NY
Days | 20' | 40' |
---|---|---|
Days
Day 1 to 5
|
20'
Free
|
40'
Free
|
Days
Day 6
|
20'
350 USD
|
40'
350 USD
|
Days
Day 7+
|
20'
455 USD
|
40'
455 USD
|
- Demurrage disputes for U.S. shipments can be raised by:
- For cargo prior to pickup, contact US.Import@maersk.com
- For cargo after pickup, through our website maersk.com in the MyFinance section.
- Detention disputes for U.S. shipments can be raised by:
- For cargo prior to return, contact US.Import@maersk.com for import shipments, and US.Export@maersk.com for export shipments.
- For cargo after return, through our website maersk.com in the MyFinance section.
- In the event you wish to change the party invoiced, please e-mail disputes@maersk.com for assistance.
- When registering a dispute, please include the shipment number, container number, and a detailed description of the dispute including the applicable service contract number if pertinent to the claim. Specifically for the below dispute types, please include the following:
- Disputes due to inability to secure a terminal appointment to pickup equipment: A screenshot indicating no appointments were available for each day of the freetime period and up to day of pickup. Each daily screenshot must be time stamped and show no appointments were available for all shifts and as far into the future as the terminal system allows.
- Disputes due to inability to secure a terminal appointment to return equipment:
- A time stamped screenshot of a terminal appointment system indicating an appointment was not available at any applicable Carrier return locations for the date a waiver is being applied for, including all shifts where applicable. The screenshot(s) must be taken the day prior to the Waiver Date and on the Waiver Date. Such screenshots must be taken between 6:00 a.m.-12:00pm (noon) the day before the Waiver Date and between 6:00a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on the Waiver Date, in the time zone of the applicable terminal.
- An e-mail to Maersk’s equipment team requesting an alternate location to return the equipment. The e-mail must be sent prior to the first day being requested for a waiver and be sent to NAMEQUEDO@maersk.com for all locations except Los Angeles and Long Beach. For Los Angeles and Long Beach e-mails must be sent to pswequipment@maersk.com.
- Disputes due to inability to secure a rail reservation for export shipments: A screenshot indicating no reservations were available for each day of the receiving window as indicated on the booking confirmation. Each daily screenshot must show no reservations were available for that day and as far into the future the rail reservation system allows, or up to the end of the receiving window whichever is sooner.
- Disputes due to containers associated with Government holds: A statement validating the customs hold was not a result of any action by the shipper, their agent, or any party to the bill of lading.
- For disputes involving a change of paying party, written confirmation from the party who will pay is needed.
- Disputes must be submitted to Maersk within 30 days of the invoice date. We will provide feedback on your dispute within 5 business days of receipt.
- When the final destination is within the US, the Consignee details must indicate the actual party name and US address of the owner of the goods. The only exception is “To Order” TPDocs. If the Consignee is “To Order” of a bank or “To Order” of a party other than owner of the cargo, then the First Notify Party must be actual owner of cargo with their US address.
- If neither the Consignee nor First Notify Party is the actual owner of the cargo, then a House TPDoc (NH) needs to be submitted (either by the Shipper if they are automated NVOCC, or by Maersk on their behalf if NVOCC is Non Automated) to show the ultimate consignee of the goods.
- P.O. Box addresses are not acceptable for Shipper, Consignee, or Notify Parties.
- Any Original Bills of Lading that would previously be sent to our office in Charlotte, NC should now be sent by express courier to:
- Norton Lilly International
Documentation Department
One St. Louis Centre
Suite 2003
Mobile, AL 36602
- Used tires as a commodity are strictly forbidden due to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulations.
- Hazardous waste shipments as defined by the Basel Convention are not accepted into the United States.
- Maersk will not arrange a store door (SD) delivery to the personal residence of a private citizen.
- Personal Effects or Household Goods cannot be railed cross border, either from Canada to USA, or from USA to Canada. Door deliveries for personal effects or household goods are prohibited in the USA. Personal effects shall only be accepted if cargo owner has an assigned forwarder to assist with the customs clearance at destination.
- All containers in transit to, or with a final destination of the US (including San Juan, Puerto Rico) require HIGH SECURITY SEALS (plastic seals are not allowed).
- A manifest must be submitted at least 24 hours prior to vessel arrival for ALL cargo transiting the US per US Customs & Border Protection regulations, whether cargo is discharging or Freight Remaining on Board (FROB) at US ports (the “24-Hour Rule”). There are NO EXCEPTIONS to the 24-Hour Rule.
- “Electronic Waste” as a commodity is not accepted for import into the US.