Detention fees have a simple problem: a bigger bill cannot move a box that cannot move

The US Federal Maritime Commission wants research into when charges above compensatory cost actually speed cargo movement. For shippers, the critical distinction is between a delay they can prevent and one they cannot. A container is ready to leave a terminal, the trucker has an appointment, and the importer chooses to wait another day. A rising demurrage charge might change that decision. Now remove the appointment, or put the box under ...