When the demurrage clock stops: weekends, holidays, and customs procedures

The most important wagon demurrage rule isn't a rate. It's a rule about when the clock doesn't run.

Weekends and holidays

Wagon demurrage is typically counted only on working days. It doesn't accumulate on weekends and public holidays -- unless Saturday service is agreed. A wagon placed Friday afternoon with seven hours of free time would use it up that same evening. But if the contract says weekends don't count, demurrage only starts Monday morning -- a difference of about 60 hours.

Which calendar applies

Public holidays differ not just between countries but between regions. In Germany, some holidays apply only in individual federal states. So the correct calendar depends on the station where the wagon stood -- not on where your company or the carrier is registered.

Customs, tax, and police procedures

A classic rule long established in rail transport: the free-time clock stops during customs, tax, or police inspections, as long as the inspection isn't delayed by the shipper itself. That last condition is decisive -- if the procedure was delayed because the shipper submitted documents late, the suspension doesn't apply.

What you need to prove a suspension

Proof of the procedure's start and end time -- a customs document with a timestamp, a terminal record, or the carrier's own notification. Without it, the suspension can't be verified.

What you can't assume

You can't assume weekends never count -- that depends on the contract. Some terms have demurrage running continuously. The check always starts from the contract clause, not from a general rule.