Per Diem Charge

Per Diem Charge is a charge calculated per day, commonly used for container or equipment use beyond an agreed period.

Published by AllwayforwardUpdated 18 Oct 2026

A visual breakdown of Per Diem Charge: Equipment use, Applicable free period and Daily charge basis. The illustration simplifies the concept; the definition and applicable terms determine the details.

Where it fits in the journey

Highlighted stages are commonly relevant

01Agree
02Prepare
03Transport — commonly relevant
04Clear
05Deliver

THE PICTURE, IN WORDS

Per Diem Charge at a glance

Equipment use
Applicable free period
Daily charge basis

THE DETAIL THAT MATTERS

Does per diem always mean the same charge in every contract?

The phrase describes the charging unit. Check whether the invoice refers to detention, chassis rental or another daily charge.

Three clocks, three different charges

Charge	Usual location or object	Confirm
Demurrage	Container inside terminal	Terminal or carrier free time
Detention	Carrier equipment outside terminal	Empty-return deadline
Storage	Cargo or equipment at a facility	Facility tariff and free period

Hand-drawn port scene with a container ship, containers and cargo handling. — Ocean freight in context · original educational illustration, not a photograph of a shipment.

Before you book

For ocean freight, have these details ready:

Cargo volume and packed weight
Origin and destination charge breakdown
Sailing, cut-offs and equipment free time

Explore ocean freight support

Sources & further reading

Plain-language educational guidance. The applicable contract, carrier tariff, official rules or insurance policy takes precedence. Illustrations show concepts, not a specific shipment or facility.

Published by Allwayforward as a plain-language freight reference. Examples are illustrative, not customer case studies. For a correction, send the term and supporting source.