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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of demurrage

First recorded in 1635–45; demur + -age

Example Sentences

Demurrage charges are intended to encourage shippers to collect their containers in a timely fashion, freeing up space needed to make vessel loading and unloading more efficient.

From Washington Post • Oct. 26, 2021

Demurrage refers to costs that shippers can face if unloading cargo is unexpectedly delayed.

From Reuters • Nov. 6, 2013

He could be counted upon to vote for a Reciprocal Demurrage bill without first consulting the Southern Pacific's political agent, Jere Burke.

From Story of the Session of the California Legislature of 1909 by Hichborn, Franklin

Senator Lynch's vote against the Reciprocal Demurrage bill was made a sort of issue in San Benito and San Luis Obispo counties at the election of 1908.

From Story of the Session of the California Legislature of 1909 by Hichborn, Franklin

The second important railroad measure passed was the Reciprocal Demurrage bill, introduced in the Senate by Miller, and in the Assembly by Drew.

From Story of the Session of the California Legislature of 1909 by Hichborn, Franklin