Common Mistakes That Lead to Unnecessary DEM/DET Fees—and How to Avoid Them

Introduction

For importers of perishable goods, time truly is money. A single missed pickup or delayed document can trigger demurrage (DEM) or detention (DET) charges, which can escalate into thousands of dollars. Worse, with temperature-sensitive cargo, delays can mean spoilage on top of fees.

At Royal Cold Storage, we’ve helped importers identify and eliminate the small oversights that lead to big bills.

Mistake #1: Late or Incomplete Documentation

If customs clearance documents aren’t ready when your container arrives, you could lose valuable free time at the port. Avoid it by:

Sending all paperwork to your customs broker well before vessel arrival.

Double-checking bills of lading, commercial invoices, and USDA/FDA forms for accuracy.

Mistake #2: Not Monitoring Arrival Notices Closely

Many importers assume their broker or carrier will alert them in time — but missed or delayed arrival notices are a leading cause of DEM/DET fees. Avoid it by:

Requesting arrival notices be sent to multiple recipients in your team.

Tracking vessels independently using carrier websites or port tracking tools.

Mistake #3: Scheduling Trucking Too Late

In busy ports, trucking appointments for reefer containers can book up fast. Avoid it by:

Pre-booking trucking slots before the vessel arrives.

Working with carriers or drayage providers who prioritize perishables.

Mistake #4: Underestimating Customs or USDA Inspection Time

Agricultural inspections can take hours or days — even for compliant shipments. Avoid it by:

Factoring inspection delays into your free time calculations.

Choosing a customs broker with perishable experience to minimize hold times.

Mistake #5: Lack of Communication Between Stakeholders

When shippers, brokers, and truckers aren’t aligned, containers can sit idle. Avoid it by:

Using shared shipment tracking tools.

Confirming handoffs between teams in writing.

Best Practices for DEM/DET Prevention

Track daily: Follow container status from vessel discharge to empty return.

Have backups: Keep alternate trucking providers on standby.

Document everything: If delays occur, timestamped records help with dispute claims later.

Work with specialists: Partnering with logistics providers who understand cold chain urgency makes all the difference.

How Royal Cold Storage Helps You Avoid DEM/DET Fees

We:

Monitor arrival and clearance timelines in real time.

Coordinate with customs brokers, carriers, and truckers to ensure timely pickup.

Offer secure cold storage so reefer containers can be unloaded quickly while avoiding storage penalties.

Provide guidance on documentation and inspection preparation.

Final Takeaway

Avoiding DEM/DET fees starts with proactive planning and real-time coordination. By eliminating common mistakes, you can protect both your bottom line and your perishable inventory.

📞 Call us today at (408) 560-1628 or (408) 368-0408 📧 Email: [email protected] 📍 Visit us: 2026 Martin Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050, USA 🌐 Website: