Despatch vs. Demurrage — What's the Difference?

Variant of dispatch.

The term "demurrage" from Old French demeurage, from demeurer – to linger, tarry – originated in vessel chartering and referred to the period when the charterer remained in possession of the vessel after the period normally allowed to load and unload cargo (laytime). By extension, demurrage refers to the charges that the charterer pays to the ship owner for its delayed operations of loading/unloading.

Alternative form of dispatch

A charge payable to the owner of a chartered ship on failure to load or discharge the ship within the time agreed.

Alternative form of dispatch

Detention of a ship, freight car, or other cargo conveyance during loading or unloading beyond the scheduled time of departure.

Same as Dispatch.

Compensation paid for such detention.

An official report (usually sent in haste)

(shipping) the detention of a ship or other freight vehicle, during delayed loading or unloading

The property of being prompt and efficient;

Compensation paid for such detention

Killing a person or animal

A charge made for exchanging currency for bullion

The act of sending off something

The detention of a vessel by the freighter beyond the time allowed in her charter party for loading, unloading, or sailing.

Send away towards a designated goal

A charge required as compensation for the delay of a ship or freight car or other cargo beyond its scheduled time of departure

Detention of a ship or freight car or other cargo beyond its scheduled time of departure