In international trade, one of the most
frequently used terms is storage service, referring to the process of holding
and storing goods in areas under the control of the cargo owner. Accordingly,
the storage fee is the amount paid in exchange for this service. The
areas used for this purpose may include terminals or docks located within
ports.
The import and export process is complex from
start to finish and involves many detailed stages. One of these stages is the
storage of goods that have been delivered or are waiting after passing through
customs. This storage system, commonly used due to the rising volume of global
trade, is defined as a storage service. Naturally, this service has a cost,
which varies depending on several factors and is not fixed.
In determining the storage fee, factors such
as the type of goods, their loading form (such as pallets or boxes), and the
duration of storage play a significant role. This service, provided by port
operators, is fully secure and carried out with the approval and awareness of
the cargo owner. Additionally, if the goods arrive within the free time period
granted by the port, no fee is charged. However, if the goods remain beyond
this allowed period, demurrage and detention invoices are issued to the
receiving parties. In many regions, including Türkiye, these may be reflected
as a single demurrage invoice.
The storage fee covers not only the cost of
keeping goods in the designated area but also the cost of ensuring their
security over time. Once this fee is paid to the port operator, permission is
granted for the containers to exit the port.
When calculating storage time, the free time
period is excluded from the calculation. Based on factors such as the nature,
size, and loading method of the goods, the storage fee is determined according
to the duration remaining after deducting the free time.
One common question in trade is who is
responsible for paying the storage fee that arises from the essential services
of storage and safeguarding goods. Port companies that provide this service
request the corresponding fee from the importer or exporter. Since the service
is offered by port operators, they also issue the invoice. It is important to
note that fees vary from port to port, as each port operator determines its own
pricing. Another key factor affecting the storage fee is the range of services
provided during the time the goods remain in storage.
The free time period is not included in the
storage cost. Additionally, companies may request additional storage time from
the port operator if needed; such extensions are granted at the discretion of
the port authority. The reasons for requiring storage may include missing
documentation, delays in customs clearance, or delays in the arrival of the
transportation vehicle. The storage fee is paid by the importer directly to the
port company, not to the transportation carrier.
Storage fees are usually expected expenses.
When the free time is exceeded, this cost arises and companies pay it
knowingly. However, in some cases, companies may retrieve their goods before
free time ends. In such situations, they can complete shipment and delivery
without incurring any storage fees.
Storage fees arise when commercial goods
remain at the port for various reasons. If they remain within the free time
period, no storage fee is charged. There is no universal or fixed storage fee and
customs storage fee vary depending on the port operator or customs
authority. Additionally, the extent to which goods exceed the free time period
is a major factor in determining the overall cost.
Once commercial goods are discharged from a
vessel, the free time period begins. The time beyond the free time until the
goods are retrieved generates demurrage. If
the goods remain beyond the free period allowed by the carrier, demurrage and
detention invoices are issued to the receiving company. In short, demurrage, which
refers to the fee incurred when free time is exceeded, is different from
storage fees.
Globally, and within international trade
practices, demurrage invoices are issued for goods that exceed free time while
waiting at the port. If the carrier’s permitted time is also exceeded, a
detention invoice is issued. In many regions, both are combined under a single
demurrage invoice.
Goods must be collected from port storage
areas within the timeframe granted by the carrier. If this period is exceeded
and the goods are not retrieved, a demurrage invoice is issued in addition to
the storage fee. Demurrage, which appears as an extra cost on top of storage,
is issued when both free time and the carrier’s allowed time are exceeded.
Just like storage fees, demurrage is paid by
the importer to the transportation company responsible for the containers. If
this payment is not made, the goods will not be released, similar to unpaid
storage fees. The demurrage amount is calculated based on factors such as how
long the permitted time has been exceeded, the type of goods, and their method
of storage.
Storage fees are more common and generally
affect more importers, whereas demurrage does not occur as frequently.
Companies try to avoid demurrage whenever possible. Storage fees, arising from
exceeding free time, are usually expected. However, if delays caused by the
carrier result in exceeding the allowed time, the resulting demurrage fee
becomes the carrier’s responsibility. Therefore, storage fees and demurrage are
not the same.