Dwelling Time
Dwelling time is how long an import container stays in the terminal, from discharge off the vessel until it leaves the port gate. In Indonesia it is commonly split into pre-clearance, customs clearance and post-clearance stages and is used as a port performance indicator. Long dwelling time raises storage, demurrage and inventory costs. Having documents complete before the vessel arrives and collecting promptly once customs release (SPPB) is issued keep it short.
Related terms
- Release Approval (SPPB)
The SPPB is the customs approval to release imported goods from the customs area once the PIB is processed, levies are paid and the checks for the assigned channel are done.
- Customs Channel (Red, Yellow, Green)
The customs channel is the risk-based routing of an import or export declaration that decides how much checking it gets.
- Container Yard (CY)
A container yard is the stacking area in a terminal where full and empty containers are stored before loading or after discharge.
- Demurrage
In container shipping, demurrage is the charge a shipping line levies when its container stays in the terminal beyond the free time, such as an import box not yet collected.
Covered in these guides
How to Choose a Port of Loading: Criteria, Costs and a Worked Comparison
How to choose a port of loading for exports, weighing trucking cost, sailing frequency, direct calls, closing time, depots, congestion, reefer, OOG and customs services.
5 min read PortsMajor Container Ports in Indonesia: List, UN/LOCODEs and Terminals
The main container ports in Indonesia, from Tanjung Priok, Tanjung Perak and Belawan to Makassar, with UN/LOCODEs, key terminals and how hub-and-feeder routing works.
6 min read Export-importDemurrage and Detention Explained: Free Time, Storage and How to Avoid Them
The difference between demurrage, detention and terminal storage, how free time and tiered tariffs work, a hypothetical example and the documents that delay release.
6 min read