freight containers stacked at port

Why Importers Are Losing Money on Demurrage

For many importers, demurrage fees are a persistent, costly reality. Containers left sitting too long at the port accrue charges, often because of poor coordination, slow communication, or disorganized service from freight forwarders. What many don’t realize is that these fees aren’t just an occasional inconvenience—they’re a major industry-wide problem.

Large freight forwarders collect demurrage fees up to 80% of the time and issue supplemental invoices on 40-60% of shipments—often months later. This financial unpredictability wreaks havoc on cash flow and budgeting, making it nearly impossible for importers to maintain control over their supply chain costs.

The Difference a Proactive Partner Makes

One importer we worked with was stuck in this cycle. They handled freight forwarding with Dedola but used separate providers for customs clearance and trucking. The result? Missed deadlines, lack of coordination, and a constant stream of hidden fees. Demurrage charges became routine, and unexpected invoices made financial forecasting a nightmare.

We analyzed their data and found that fragmented logistics were the culprit. By shifting their customs and trucking operations under Dedola’s integrated network, the impact was immediate:

  • 100% elimination of supplemental invoices, compared to their previous rate of 40-50%.
  • Zero demurrage fees, down from thousands of dollars in recurring costs.
  • Streamlined operations, reducing delays and improving supply chain efficiency.

These weren’t just minor savings—they completely changed how the importer managed their logistics, improving profitability and cash flow stability.

Stop Paying for Logistics Inefficiencies

At Dedola Global Logistics, our approach is simple: we prevent problems before they happen. While large freight forwarders accept hidden fees as part of the business, we take a proactive, data-driven approach to keep your supply chain moving efficiently.

Our clients benefit from:

  • Zero demurrage fees—Proactive planning keeps cargo moving on schedule.
  • No more surprise invoices—Transparent pricing eliminates financial guesswork.
  • Stronger financial control—Predictable costs allow for better budgeting.

If hidden fees are eating into your profits, it’s time to take control. Contact us today to review any supplemental invoices or demurrage charges impacting your bottom line.

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ocean freight containers at port