Container demurrage relates to FCL containers and is the waiting time at wharf &/or delivery &/or empty container depot. GPSM provides a total of 3 free cumulative hours of waiting time. After 3 hours, demurrage will be charged per hour. Details of this charge are included in your GPSM web rates.

In the extreme circumstances of extended delays while your container is in transit, such as   major road closures, natural disasters etc, demurrage charges may apply. In these extraordinary cases your GPSM contact will be in touch to advise what sort of delays are expected and what demurrage charges may apply.  

Shipping lines charge container detention for all unreturned empty container(s) after approximately 7 days from the first day of availability. Shipping lines are charging and policing container detention charges applicable vigilantly. These charges will apply regardless of the reason that a container may be returned after the deadline. Each shipping line sets its own tariff for this service.  GPSM has no ability to alter these charges.

Importers need to be aware that these charges can grow to significant sums quite quickly. GPSM will be passing these charges on at cost. The final invoice for any applicable detention will be invoiced by GPSM immediately upon receipt of the shipping lines invoice. Please note some shipping lines may take some time to provide their invoice to GPSM. All detention invoices are to be treated as disbursement invoices for prompt payment.

Should importers elect to delay delivery after availability and send an FCL Read More

Due to the current high volume of airfreight traffic from USA and the lack of regular service options, airlines are constantly altering rate levels on a weekly basis at present. Qantas is the latest airline to announce rate increases from 14th August, 2010 of USD 0.20/kg across the board from all USA origins. Similarly UPS and FEDEX have also been “juggling” rates on a case by case basis, managing the situation has become a daily chore and clients may experience some volatility in rate structures over coming weeks. GPSM web rates may be adjusted from time to time as traffic volumes vary, please check your web rates for latest information on hand.

The main ports at Nhava Sheva and Mumbai have been closed for the past week following a collision between an MSC Container vessel and another vessel in the main harbor. Several hundred containers were spilled overboard and have been causing a hazard to shipping at both terminals, with the container vessel listing at 85 degrees. Many lines have subsequently cancelled vessel calls at both ports to avoid disruption to schedules.

It is expected that the ports will reopen within the next week but naturally severe delays will be experienced at both load ports following this incident.

Notice has been received from shipping lines that a rate increase application has been lodged with USA Federal Maritime Commission covering all shipments to Australia and New Zealand.

It is understood the increase will be USD 125.00/20ft and USD 250.00/40ft container and USD 5.00 per cbm/1000kgs for LCL cargo, effective on and after 15th September, 2010.

We shall keep you advised of further developments closed to the planned implementation date.