What is Last Free Day?

What is Last Free Day?

A Last Free Day is the last day of a given period of free storage time during which cargo can be picked up from a port terminal or rail ramp without incurring demurrage fees. Last Free Day is also used as the last day that a container can be out of the port terminal before usage or per diem fees are charged.

How many “free days” do I get?

Depending on the carrier and mode of transportation, port terminal and rail ramp, your number of ‘free days’ will vary. They mostly depend on the form of shipping. Here’s what you should know: 

Full container load (FCL) - Ocean ports generally allow 3-5 days of storage time. This number also varies depending on the congestion level of each terminal or port. 

Less than container load (LCL) - The Container Freight Station (CFS) provides approximately a week of free storage time after they have unloaded and deconsolidated the container. 

Air - Airline terminals normally allow 2-3 days of free storage time.

Rail - The rail ports normally allow about 2 days of free storage time which sometimes includes the weekends.