When I started shipping goods to the Philippines using a Philippines container service from Shenzhen, China, one of the unexpected costs I faced was demurrage — those expensive port charges when cargo stays too long at the terminal. After one costly mistake, I decided to plan smarter.
The first thing I learned was to use an ocean freight planner to the Philippines who could give me accurate ETAs, advise on customs timelines, and prepare documentation ahead of time. By doing this, I minimized delays and avoided unnecessary storage fees.
I also started working with a freight forwarder who offered pre-clearance support. This allowed me to get my shipments cleared before they arrived, speeding up container release. For busy ports like Manila or Cebu, time is money, and proactive planning truly matters.
If you’re using full container loads (FCL), always check the free time offered — most ports in the Philippines provide 5 to 7 free days. Beyond that, the fees stack up quickly. Coordinating inland transport in advance made a big difference for me.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Q1: What are demurrage charges in Philippines ports?
A1: Demurrage charges are fees imposed when your container stays at the port terminal beyond the allowed free time after unloading.
Q2: How can I avoid demurrage on shipments from Shenzhen to the Philippines?
A2: Use a reliable Philippines container service from Shenzhen China, pre-clear customs, and schedule immediate pickup to avoid delays.
Q3: What is the typical free time for containers in the Philippines?
A3: Ports like Manila usually offer 5–7 days of free time for FCL shipments; after that, demurrage charges apply daily.
Q4: Can an ocean freight planner help avoid port fees?
A4: Yes, an ocean freight planner to the Philippines helps schedule vessel arrivals and inland transport to keep your logistics running on time.
Q5: What happens if I don’t pick up my container in time?
A5: You’ll incur demurrage fees, and in prolonged cases, the port may auction or dispose of the cargo if not collected.