What is Yard Storage?
Yard storage is the service, and the charge, for keeping cargo or containers in a terminal or depot yard beyond the free time allowed. US marine terminal rules define free time as the period during which cargo may occupy terminal space free of wharf demurrage or terminal storage charges, and terminal storage as warehouse or other facilities for cargo after free time expires. In container shipping, storage charged by the terminal is distinct from the carrier's demurrage for keeping its container inside the terminal and detention for keeping it outside, although some carriers combine demurrage and storage in one tariff item. Off-dock container freight stations, bonded warehouses and empty depots apply their own storage tariffs. Storage is usually charged per container or per tonne per day, often with rates that rise the longer the cargo stays.
Why it matters for forwarders
Storage builds up quickly when import cargo cannot be released because of unpaid charges, missing original bills of lading, customs holds or a lack of truck appointments, so the release checklist should be complete before the vessel arrives. Export containers delivered before the receiving window opens, or rolled to a later vessel, can also incur storage. In US trades, demurrage and detention under 46 CFR Part 541 includes charges for the use of marine terminal space, and invoices must be issued within 30 calendar days of the date the charge was last incurred or the billed party is not required to pay. Track free time per container from the actual availability date, dispute charges that accrued while cargo could not be retrieved, and pass costs to the responsible party under the service agreement. Negotiating extended free time in the contract is usually cheaper than paying storage afterwards.