CargoFlowPlus
Free Time and Last Free Day: What to Confirm
Before relying on a last free day, check whose date it is, which charge it covers and which terms apply. A planning window and a confirmed contractual deadline are not interchangeable.
- Check the event location
- Separate estimates from actual events
- Confirm requirements before acting
Identify what the date covers
Free-time information can relate to different equipment or storage arrangements. Ask whether the date concerns collection, empty return or another charge, and whether carrier and terminal charges are separate. Do not apply one date to every part of the journey.
Confirm the counting rules
Check the applicable start event, included days, cut-off time and any agreed extension. Terms can differ by location and contract. Avoid deriving an authoritative deadline simply by adding a default number of days to an arrival or discharge date.
Resolve conflicting dates before dispatch
If a tracking display, carrier portal and terminal notice disagree, retain the source and update time for each. Ask the responsible party to confirm the applicable deadline for your reference. Keep a record of the answer and any extension rather than silently choosing the latest date.
Use estimates for planning, not as invoices
A calculator can help explore a possible cost using stated assumptions. Actual charges depend on the applicable terms and recorded events. Check the bill or tariff with the responsible party; a dashboard warning alone is not proof that a particular amount is owed.
What to check next
- Name the charge and source: Identify whose deadline you are using and what it covers.
- Confirm the applicable terms: Check the start event, counting rules, cut-off and extensions.
- Record the agreed date: Share the confirmed reference and source with the collection or return team.
Is the pickup window always the last free day?
No. A planning window is not automatically the carrier or terminal’s confirmed last free day.
Can one free-time rule be used for all ports?
No. Check the terms relevant to the shipment, location and charge type.
Official sources
Sources checked . Carrier tools and access conditions may change.