In today’s precision-driven automotive supply chains, delays aren’t just inconvenient—they’re costly. A single late container can idle production lines, delay customer orders and strain supplier relationships. But beyond the obvious impacts, many shippers are quietly bleeding budget on fees that could be avoided altogether: demurrage and per diem.

These charges—accrued when containers overstay their welcome at ports or chassis aren’t returned on time—are becoming more frequent, more expensive and more avoidable. In response, automotive manufacturers and suppliers are rethinking how they move freight from port to plant—and building smarter, more agile logistics strategies along the way.

The Auto Industry’s Hidden Cost Center

At Averitt, we work with shippers in the automotive industry every day who are navigating a high-pressure supply chain environment. Inbound containers must align with tightly scheduled production windows and even the smallest delay can have outsized consequences.

But what often surprises companies is how much demurrage and per diem fees are quietly costing them. These fees often result not from unavoidable delays, but from operational misalignment:

• Port congestion that isn’t accounted for in scheduling
• Miscommunication between logistics providers and warehouse teams
• No clear owner monitoring a container’s Last Free Day (LFD)

With some terminals charging hundreds of dollars per day per container, the costs add up fast—especially when there are multiple containers moving in and out each week.

The Smarter Port-to-Plant Playbook

Progressive automotive shippers are pushing back by implementing logistics strategies that stop the fee clock before it starts ticking. Here are some of the most effective solutions we’re helping companies implement:

• Transload containers at or near the port to trailers, freeing up the container immediately
• Use near-port warehousing to store inventory if the plant isn’t ready to receive
• Route containers through inland ports like Greer, Memphis, or Cordele to extend free time and avoid congestion

Pro Tip: Download our free 9-Step Demurrage & Per Diem Readiness Checklist to benchmark your current strategy.

Why Integrated Logistics Eliminates Bottlenecks

One of the biggest contributors to demurrage and per diem charges is fragmentation. Many shippers rely on a different provider for each step: drayage, transload, warehousing, linehaul. When those pieces aren’t in sync, freight stalls—and the meter runs.

That’s why more automotive companies are turning to Averitt’s PortSide® solutions. We offer a single-source logistics model that brings every component under one roof:

• Port drayage
• Warehousing and fulfillment
• Inland transportation
• Real-time tracking and reporting

And as an asset-based provider, we bring an added level of control and speed with our own fleet of chassis and one of the nation’s largest LTL, truckload and dedicated fleets. That means we’re not dependent on third parties—and your freight doesn’t sit idle waiting for equipment.

The result? Fewer handoffs, tighter control and a team that can prevent delays before they become fees.

And it all ties together through Averitt’s end-to-end coordination approach: one contact—no finger-pointing, no miscommunication, no surprises.

Visibility That Keeps You Ahead of the Clock—And Your Competition

In a high-velocity supply chain, waiting until you’re charged to act is simply too late. That’s why real-time visibility is critical—especially for tracking container milestones, free time deadlines and delivery coordination.

Averitt customers gain access to:

• Real-time tracking of shipments and inventory with our WMS (once the container hits the ground)
• Tools to monitor container milestones and stay ahead of potential delays
• 24/7 customer support based entirely in the U.S.

And for automotive suppliers and manufacturers, we offer an added level of precision through ASN (Advanced Shipping Notice) scanning capabilities. This enables:

• Accurate, automated confirmation that the right shipment is picked up and delivered
• Seamless alignment with OEM and Tier 1 supplier systems

Most transportation and logistics service providers can’t provide this kind of detailed visibility or EDI-level integration—but it’s essential for minimizing production risk in automotive manufacturing.

Ready to Stop Paying for Delays?

Demurrage and per diem fees aren’t just frustrating—they’re a symptom of a supply chain that’s out of sync.

With a smarter port-to-plant strategy, you can regain control, reduce cost and improve delivery certainty across your automotive supply chain.

See how Averitt’s PortSide® Solutions can help you reduce costs and improve control—get in touch with our team.