A shipping line’s demurrage charge seems excessive, can I dispute it?

Demurrage and detention charges are usually governed by the shipping line's tariff and the terms incorporated into the bill of lading or service agreement, and courts have generally upheld these charges as a form of liquidated damages for the use of the container or terminal beyond the free time allowed, provided they are not so disproportionate as to be an unenforceable penalty. To dispute the charges, review the applicable tariff and terms for the free time allowed and the rate charged, and check whether any delay was caused by the carrier's own actions, such as late unloading or documentation errors on their part, which could reduce or eliminate your liability. Gather timeline evidence, including port records and correspondence, showing the cause of the delay. Raise a formal dispute with the shipping line in writing, and if unresolved, seek advice, since demurrage disputes can sometimes be resolved through negotiation given the ongoing commercial relationship.