Short answer: Berthing charges at the port are almost always incurred due to bad timing – either due to delivery too early, before the cut-off time (storage at the port of departure), or due to collection too late at the port of destination (exceeding the free storage period). By keeping track of cut-off times, agreed free days and collection times, you can avoid these preventable costs appearing on your invoice.
The key points in 5 points
- Stand fees are caused by goods being delivered too early or collected too late.
- The Cut-off time is the deadline for acceptance – not too early, not too late.
- At the port of destination, the Leave periods (days off).
- Full documents avoid delays in approval.
- Good coordination with the haulage contractor is the best safeguard.
What exactly are stand fees?
Standing charges (sometimes also referred to as storage or demurrage charges) are incurred when a vehicle longer than planned as stated at the terminal. This can happen at the port of departure (early delivery prior to loading) or at the port of destination (the vehicle is not collected after the free period has expired). In both cases, the terminal charges for the additional waiting time.
How can you avoid berthing charges at the port of departure?
The key is the Cut-off time – the latest time by which your vehicle must be at the terminal. Please deliver not too early otherwise there will be a delay before loading; but also not too late, otherwise you will lose your booking. For details of how the process at the port works, please see Port procedures for RoRo. Allow a little extra time before the cut-off time – but only as much as is necessary.
How can you avoid demurrage charges at the port of destination?
At the port of arrival, terminals and shipping companies usually grant a free days for collection. After that, storage charges will apply. Here’s how to keep costs under control:
- Understanding the notice period: Please check the exact number of days off in advance.
- Preparing for collection: Make sure you sort out customs clearance and transport from the port well in advance.
- Have the following documents to hand: Missing documents are holding up approval – and the clock is ticking.
We show you the status milestones your vehicle goes through under From gate-in to release.
What role do the documents play?
Incomplete or incorrect documentation is one of the most common causes of delays in clearance – and consequently of demurrage charges. Please ensure that your export declaration is complete via the The customs authorities’ ATLAS procedure as well as the correct import documents in the country of destination.
Your timing checklist
- Cut-off time Check with the shipping company and factor this in as a firm deadline.
- Delivery Schedule it just in time, but well before the cut-off time.
- Leave period to be clarified at the port of destination.
- Collection and customs make preparations in the destination country before the ship arrives.
- Documents Keep it available in its entirety and in a digitally secured format.
FAQ
What is the difference between demurrage and storage charges?
Both terms refer to costs incurred for exceeding lay-up times. Storage charges usually relate to storage at the terminal, whilst demurrage relates to exceeding the free time allowance. In practice, both involve additional lay-up costs.
How many Fridays will I have at my destination port?
That depends on the shipping company, the terminal and the route. Please check the exact number in advance and plan your collection accordingly.
Can I deliver too early?
Yes – and this may result in berthing charges at the port of departure. Please deliver with a tight but safe margin before the cut-off time.
Who pays the stand fees?
Usually the consignor or consignee. That’s why careful timing is worth the effort – the charges can almost always be avoided.
How can a haulage company help me with this?
An experienced freight forwarder coordinates cut-off times, delivery, clearance times and collection, and keeps you informed of the status – ensuring that unnecessary downtime is avoided from the outset.
All the information in this article has been carefully researched, but is subject to change at any time. ODS Orient accepts no liability for the timeliness, accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Please contact us directly for a no-obligation quote.
Sources
Short answer: There is no single figure that can be given for the cost of shipping a motorhome – the price depends primarily on the Your vehicle’s dimensions, the choice between Ro-Ro and containersthe Route and portsthe Season and Insurance and lead time ... Anyone who is aware of these factors can assess any quote properly. To get a reliable figure, you need a personalised quote based precisely on these points.
The key points in 5 points
- Dimensions are key: Length × width × height have a greater impact on the price than weight – sea freight is calculated by volume.
- Ro-Ro vs. Container: RoRo is usually cheaper for roadworthy motorhomes; a container offers more protection and space for cargo.
- Route & Port are the factors driving the price: available connections and the destination port matter more than the straight-line distance.
- Season: During the high season, pitches are scarcer and more expensive.
- Don’t forget the service charges: Pre-trip costs, insurance, customs duties and demurrage should all be included in any honest calculation.
Why isn’t there a flat rate?
A motorhome is not a standard car: it’s taller, longer and bulkier – and that’s precisely what makes the calculation unique to each case. Two vehicles travelling the same route can cost significantly different amounts, simply because one is half a metre taller and therefore falls into a different loading category. Instead of a flat rate, with us you get a customised offer – and the following factors will show you what’s involved.
Factor 1: The dimensions of your motorhome
Sea freight is transported to Volume calculated, not primarily by weight. The price is therefore based on:
- Length: This is crucial for RoRo, where charges are calculated based on the length of the parking space.
- Height: Tall alcove or integrated models may require more expensive decks or bespoke solutions.
- Width: relevant when choosing between standard and special loading.
Measure your vehicle exactly (including fittings such as a roof-mounted air-conditioning unit or a satellite dish) – even a few centimetres can change the category and, consequently, the price.
Factor 2: Ro-Ro or container?
That’s the biggest lever:
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): The motorhome is driven onto the ship under its own power. For roadworthy vehicles, this is usually the cheaper and simpler Variant.
- Container: Greater protection from the elements and contact, and you can – within the limits of the regulations – Payload shipped together. For this, the vehicle must be of the correct dimensions, and the price is often higher.
Which option is best for you depends on the dimensions, the price and your security needs. You can find a direct comparison in our article Shipping a motorhome: container or Ro-Ro.
Factor 3: Route, ports and availability
The price depends on the connections that are actually available, not based on the distance shown on the map. A well-served main route may be cheaper than a shorter route that is rarely used. Also, the Port of destination and domestic transport logistics also play a part. We provide an overview of the general price drivers in Ro-Ro transport in this article Ro-Ro transport: an overview of costs.
Factor 4: Season and timing
Just as with travel, the same applies to sea freight Peak and off-peak seasons. During peak periods, pitches are in shorter supply, demand is higher and planning is tighter. Those who are flexible and book early are often in a better position.
Factor 5: Insurance, customs duties and ancillary costs
An honest calculation involves more than just the pure sea freight costs:
- Transport insurance – Highly recommended for such a valuable vehicle.
- Customs duties and import charges in the destination country, subject to local regulations.
- Introduction to the port of loading.
- Demurrage/storage costs, should the vehicle or documents not be ready by the deadline.
How do you arrive at a reliable figure?
- Measure the vehicle accurately (L × W × H, including superstructures) and document the condition.
- Objective and desired timeframe specify.
- Ro-Ro vs. Container decide on the basis of protection requirements and payload.
- Customised offer quote – based on this information rather than a flat rate.
- Service charges (Insurance, customs, pre-shipment) – take these into account right from the start.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a motorhome?
There is no flat rate. The costs depend on the dimensions, whether it’s RoRo or container transport, the route, the season and ancillary costs. To get a reliable figure, you’ll need a bespoke quote based on these factors.
Is Ro-Ro or container shipping cheaper?
For roadworthy motorhomes, RoRo is usually cheaper. A container often costs more, but offers greater protection and more space for cargo.
Why does the height of my motorhome matter so much?
This is because sea freight is calculated by volume, and tall vehicles may require different decks or loading solutions. Even a few centimetres can change the price category.
Should I take out transport insurance?
With such a valuable vehicle, transport insurance is strongly recommended. It should form part of any proper cost estimate.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible – pitches are in short supply, especially during the peak season. Planning ahead gives you more options and better dates.
Disclaimer: This post is for general information purposes only and deliberately does not mention any specific prices, as these vary greatly depending on individual circumstances. For a binding quote and a personalised offer, please contact our team.