What is detention?
Detention is the charge to use the carrier’s full container, inside the marine terminal, railroad facilities or container yard, after the expiry of the free time. This charge can also apply while the container is undergoing inspection by customs, or while the cargo inside the container is being reworked for safety reasons.   
 
What are storage charges?
Storage charges are billed directly to customers by APM Terminals after free days period.

For details, visit their website 

What is Per Diem?
Per Diem is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, for the use of the carrier’s container (full or empty) outside the marine terminal, rail ramp or container yard.  
 
What is demurrage?
Demurrage is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, inside the terminal for the use of the land. 

Detention and demurrage: updated payment policy 

• For immediate release, payment must be by cash, Manager's check, wire transfer. 
• For immediate release, payment must be deposited at Ecobank Liberia Limited via direct deposit or transfer. 
• If the payment cannot be made by direct deposit, or transfer, payment by cheque is acceptable. However, the shipment will be released ONLY after the funds clear. 

Questions about detention, demurrage, Per Diem?
Contact our Liberia team.

What is VGM?
Verified gross mass or VGM refers to the exact, verified weight of a packed container. For safety reasons, vessel operators can only load a container if its weight has been verified.

The following are included on all VGM instructions: 

•  Booking or Bill of Lading (BL) number 
• Container number 
• VGM and weight measurement unit (lbs or kgs) 
• Name of responsible party
• Digital signature of the authorised signatory in CAPITAL LETTERS.

Exporters can sign myMSC to upload the VGM.

VGM should be provided 24 hours prior vessel arrival to avoid late fees of USD25.00.

Port and terminals
MSC operates all its services directly with APM Terminals, which runs a state-of-the-art multipurpose port in the Freeport of Monrovia.