demurrage

American  

[dih-mur-ij] / dɪˈmɜr ɪdʒ /

noun

Commerce.

1. the detention in port of a vessel by the shipowner, as in loading or unloading, beyond the time allowed or agreed upon.

2. the similar undue detention of a railroad car, truck, etc.

3. a charge for such undue detention.

---

demurrage British  

/ dɪˈmʌrɪdʒ /

noun

1. the delaying of a ship, railway wagon, etc, caused by the charterer's failure to load, unload, etc, before the time of scheduled departure

2. the extra charge required as compensation for such delay

3. a fee charged by the Bank of England for changing bullion into notes

---

Etymology

Origin of demurrage

First recorded in 1635–45; demur + -age

Example Sentences

After a container sits at the terminal for a certain number of days, shipping companies begin charging end customers a rental fee for using their box, a charge called demurrage in the industry.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 26, 2021

Even before the president’s order, the agency had begun investigating industry practices regarding extra charges for shipping containers that are not promptly removed from their facilities, known as detention and demurrage fees.

From Washington Post • Jul. 14, 2021

U.S. exporters of agricultural goods said some container shipments may be getting delayed due to uncertainty about the grace period for demurrage, or the fees owed to cargo buyers for any delivery delays.

From Reuters • Feb. 4, 2020

Freicoin imposes a "demurrage fee" of 4.9% on money held by users.

From The Guardian • Jun. 25, 2013

This demurrage would have been charged doubly, both to your account and that of your father.

From Life and Public Services of John Quincy Adams Sixth President of the Unied States by Seward, William Henry