DETENTION & DEMURRAGE

Dispute Resolution Process

Scope

The process described here is only to be used for disputes about Demurrage or Detention (Per Diem) charges as defined by the FMC (Federal Maritime Commission), see § 541.7 (A): 

Definitions

Demurrage or detention means any charges, including ‘‘per diem’’ charges, assessed by ocean common carriers, marine terminal operators, or non-vessel-operating common carriers related to the use of marine terminal space (e.g., land) or shipping containers, but not including freight charges. 

Demurrage or detention invoice means any statement of charges printed, written, or accessible online that documents an assessment of demurrage or detention charges.

Dispute Process 

  1. Customers can submit disputes – on Demurrage or Detention (Per Diem) charges only – through the following email:  dddispute@laufer.com  within 30 days of invoice date. 
  2. Laufer Group International will confirm receipt by sending a dispute ID and review your dispute.  
  3. Within 30 days Laufer Group International will notify you of the result of the dispute.
    Note: Should it be necessary to dispute the charges with the carrier, additional supporting documents might be required. 

All disputes must contain: 

  • Laufer Invoice Number 
  • Laufer Invoice Date 
  • Container Number 
  • A detailed description of the charges and amounts being disputed 
  • Detailed reason for the dispute  
  • Supporting documentation, see some examples below  
  • Acknowledgment that you will be responsible for the Administrative Fee payable to Laufer for initiating dispute on your behalf with carrier or MTO.

IMPORTANT: Any disputes received more than 30 days after the invoice date will be rejected as untimely.  A dispute will not be considered received until all required information and supporting documentation required by individual carriers or MTOs have been received. 

Examples for supporting documentation: 

There could be very different reasons for requesting to mitigate or waive demurrage, detention or per diem changes. Further documentation could be requested if Laufer disputes with the carrier / MTO and they require it. 

  • Incorrect Free Time 
    • Documentation of correct free time or proof that an incorrect free time was communicated. 
  • Incorrect Rate 
    • Must include details and supporting documentation of correct rate. 
  • Incorrect pickup or return dates. 
    • Interchange receipts  
  • Terminals or other facilities offer additional free time due to severe weather issues 
    • Screen shot of weather closure notification 
  • Appointment times are not available for container pickup or return. 
    • Screenshots of websites showing no appointment availability, including clear date and time data evidencing when the screenshot was taken. Screenshots must be taken between 6am and 12pm (noon) on the day before the day disputed and on the day between 6am and 9am in the local time zone