Shipping, Carriage & Delivery Policy
Operational standards governing maritime transit windows, demurrage free time, seal verification, and cargo damage reporting.
Track free days and discharge timestamps directly in our Live Tracking console to avoid detention surcharges.
Go to Live Tracking →99.8% On-Time Transit Commitment
Shipindel guarantees contracted vessel container slot allocations and dedicated linehaul drayage capacity. We proactively resolve customs holds and port terminal gate bottlenecks before demurrage clocks start ticking.
Transit Windows & Predictive ETA Telemetry
Standards governing maritime vessel schedules, flight arrival windows, and dynamic satellite telemetry updates.
1.1 Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) Status
While Shipindel maintains a 99.8% on-time delivery SLA across contracted arterial lanes, all published ETAs represent operational estimates. Maritime routes are subject to ocean currents, weather deviations, canal queuing, and pilot vessel berthing schedules.
1.2 Autonomous AIS Telemetry Re-Calculations
Our tracking system continuously ingests satellite Automatic Identification System (AIS) telemetry. If a vessel is held in anchorage or delayed at an intermediate transshipment port, adjusted arrival windows are transmitted to consignees automatically.
1.3 Aviation Charter Timelines
Priority air freight shipments operate on scheduled airport-to-airport flight plans. Ramp handling, customs manifest clearance, and deconsolidation typically require 4 to 8 hours post-touchdown before cargo release.
Marine Terminal Free Time, Demurrage & Detention
Defined free-time allowances at destination ports and strict fee structures governing container equipment return.
2.1 Port Terminal Demurrage Free Time
Standard ocean freight bookings include an allotted number of 'free days' at the marine terminal following complete vessel discharge. If containers remain inside the port terminal gate beyond the free period, demurrage charges are assessed directly by the marine terminal operator (MTO).
2.2 Carrier Equipment Detention (Per Diem)
Once a container is gated out of the marine terminal on a truck chassis, the shipper/consignee has an agreed window to unload and return the clean, empty container to the carrier's designated equipment depot.
| Transport Mode | Standard Free Time | Demurrage Period | Mitigation Procedure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean FCL (Dry Van) | 5 – 7 Calendar Days | Billed daily after Day 7 | Automated pre-clearance drayage dispatch |
| Ocean FCL (Reefer) | 2 – 3 Calendar Days | Billed daily after Day 3 | Priority cold-chain chassis escort |
| Ocean LCL (CFS) | 5 Calendar Days | CFS warehouse storage tier | Immediate deconsolidation release notification |
| Air Freight (Airport) | 48 Hours post-ramp | Airline cargo terminal tier | Same-day customs document pre-filing |
Container Drayage Gate-Out & Bolt Seal Integrity
Protocols for port terminal gate-out, heavy linehaul chassis interchange, and ISO 17712 security seals.
3.1 ISO 17712 High-Security Bolt Seals
All Full Container Load (FCL) units must be secured at origin with an ISO 17712 compliant high-security mechanical bolt seal. The unique seal identification number must match the bill of lading manifest exactly.
3.2 Seal Discrepancies & Port Tampering Checks
Prior to port terminal gate-out, drayage drivers perform a verified physical seal inspection. If a seal is broken, missing, or exhibits evidence of tampering, the container remains secured in port custody pending joint customs inspection.
3.3 Verified Gross Mass (VGM) Scale Compliance
Pursuant to IMO SOLAS regulations, every export container must possess a certified Verified Gross Mass (VGM) calculation using calibrated weighbridge scales prior to vessel stowage loading.
Cargo Receipt, Inspection & 48-Hour Damage Reporting
Mandatory delivery receipt notations, proof of delivery (POD), and deadlines for reporting transit damage.
4.1 Delivery Receipt (ePOD) Notations
Upon consignee delivery, the receiving dock manager must inspect outer carton integrity, pallet banding, and seal numbers. Any visible tears, crushed cartons, wet packaging, or severed bands must be itemized explicitly on the electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) before signing.
4.2 48-Hour Visible Damage Notification Window
Written notice of visible loss or physical damage must be submitted to Shipindel claims dispatch within forty-eight (48) hours of physical cargo receipt, accompanied by high-resolution photographic evidence.
4.3 Concealed Damage Reporting (7-Day Limit)
If internal damage is discovered upon uncrating goods that appeared intact externally, formal written notification must be submitted within seven (7) calendar days of delivery with packaging retained for surveyor inspection.
Reefer Cold-Chain & Hazardous Materials (DG)
Operating requirements for temperature-sensitive food/pharma and hazardous chemical classes.
5.1 Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI) for Refrigerated Cargo
All reefer machinery undergoes certified pre-trip testing to verify compressor coils, refrigerant charge, ventilation settings, and digital data loggers prior to loading.
5.2 Dangerous Goods (DG) Acceptance
Dangerous cargo classes 2 through 9 are accepted strictly upon verified Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD), compliant UN packaging labels, and carrier slot dangerous manifest confirmation.
Force Majeure, Maritime Perils & General Average
Legal protections governing maritime emergencies, strikes, canal blockages, and casualty contributions.
6.1 Force Majeure Events
Shipindel shall not be held liable for failure or delay in transit performance resulting from Acts of God, war, hostilities, civil unrest, piracy, labor strikes, terminal lockouts, epidemics, or canal lock infrastructure closures.
6.2 General Average Declarations
In the rare event that an ocean carrier declares General Average under the York-Antwerp Rules following a maritime disaster, all cargo owners are legally required to contribute to the sacrifice or expenditure before goods can be released from port.
Restricted Facilities, TWIC Ports & Bonded CFS Handoffs
Driver security clearance requirements and foreign trade zone handoff policies.
7.1 TWIC Credentialed Port Drayage
All Shipindel contracted linehaul and drayage operators hold Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC) for direct access to secure maritime terminal gates.
7.2 Bonded Container Freight Station (CFS) Operations
Un-cleared in-bond merchandise transferred to off-dock CFS warehouses remains under customs bond authority until official CBP Form 7501 release or export transit filing.
Need Custom Free-Time Contract Terms?
High-volume enterprise shippers (exceeding 100 TEU / quarter) can request extended 10 to 14 days destination free time.