Definition

A fee charged for keeping a ship, truck, or freight car longer than agreed, usually because it was not loaded or unloaded on time.

Example

The shipping company had to pay demurrage because the cargo was delayed at the port.

Conversation

Have you heard about the demurrage charges on the shipment?

Yeah, I read that it can really add up if there's a delay.

Exactly! It's frustrating when the loading takes longer than planned.

True, those fees can be a real headache for the company.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Demurrage → It is derived from the Old French 'demorager' (meaning to delay) and the suffix '-age' (indicating a state or condition). The term refers to the charge incurred for the delay in the loading or unloading of a ship, thus relating to the state of being delayed.

Memory Tip

Think of 'delay' in the Old French 'demorager' to remember that 'demurrage' refers to the cost associated with the delay in shipping.

Visually Confused Words