Container Free Time, Demurrage & Detention in China (2026) — Carrier Comparison

In China, published demurrage free time for a 40ft import container is 3–7 calendar days and detention free time is 7–14 days, across Regional Container Lines (RCL), Yang Ming and ZIM. After free time, demurrage & detention charges accrue per container per day.

Published demurrage and detention free time for import containers to China, compared across 3 carrier(s), based on tariffs covering 119 port(s). Free days = the calendar days before D&D charges begin.

Carrier	Demurrage (40ft)	Detention (40ft)	Demurrage (20ft)	Demurrage (40HC)
Regional Container Lines (RCL)	—	7–14	7	7
Yang Ming	3–7	7	3–7	3–7
ZIM	7	—	7	—

Free days shown as a range where they vary by port within China. “—” = not published in our dataset for that combination.

📦 Track your China shipments with TrackingMCP — live carrier events, vessel positions, and automatic demurrage & detention alerts before free time runs out. Or look up a specific carrier & port →

Demurrage vs detention — what's the difference?

Demurrage: Charged when a full import container stays inside the terminal past its free days — you haven't picked it up in time. Billed per container per day once free time runs out.
Detention: Charged when you keep the container outside the terminal — being unpacked or awaiting its empty return — longer than allowed. Also billed per container per day.
Free time: The calendar days a carrier lets you hold the container before either charge begins. It varies by carrier, port, container type, and import vs export — the figures on this page are the published import free days.

Frequently asked questions

What is Regional Container Lines (RCL)'s detention free time in China?
Regional Container Lines (RCL) publishes 7–14 free day(s) of detention for a 40ft import container in China.

How many demurrage free days does Yang Ming give in China?
Yang Ming publishes 3–7 free day(s) of demurrage for a 40ft import container in China before charges begin.

What is Yang Ming's detention free time in China?
Yang Ming publishes 7 free day(s) of detention for a 40ft import container in China.

How many demurrage free days does ZIM give in China?
ZIM publishes 7 free day(s) of demurrage for a 40ft import container in China before charges begin.

How we compile this

Figures are taken from each carrier's own published demurrage & detention tariffs and normalised to free days. Terms vary by contract, equipment, and port, and change over time — always confirm with your carrier or BCO contract. Informational only, no warranty. Last updated 2026-10-05.

By carrier in China

Regional Container Lines (RCL) → · Yang Ming → · ZIM →

By port in China

CNHUA · CNJIA · CNNTG · CNNGB · CNRUG · CNTAG · CNTZO · CNWUH · CNYIW · CNZJG

Free time in other countries

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