Pre-Arrival Documentation & Customs Clearance
Expedite paperwork processing to prevent delays and avoid storage fees.
Demurrage & Detention Prevention Services
Fewer Delays. Lower Fees. Faster Cargo Turns.
Our proactive logistics solutions help businesses minimize extra charges, streamline port operations, and ensure timely cargo movement. As a licensed U.S. customs broker and freight forwarder, W.M. Stone tracks every shipment milestone and steps in early, before a delay turns into a bill. From pre-arrival paperwork to container pickup, our team is built to keep your cargo, and your budget, on schedule.
Your Trusted Partner for Avoiding Demurrage & Detention Fees.
Port congestion, customs delays, and inefficient coordination can result in unexpected demurrage and detention charges. W.M. Stone provides expert strategies to keep your shipments moving efficiently, avoiding unnecessary costs and disruptions.
From the moment a vessel is scheduled to the moment your container leaves the terminal, our team tracks every milestone, coordinates with ports, carriers, and warehouses, and steps in early when a shipment is at risk of falling behind schedule. That means pre-arrival documentation is filed early, cargo routing is planned to reduce dwell time, and any sign of a hold or delay is flagged before it becomes a costly line item. W.M. Stone brings 250+ years of combined industry experience to every shipment. As a licensed U.S. customs broker and freight forwarder with established relationships across major ports and terminals, we have built a track record of demurrage-free shipments that helps businesses optimize freight movement and cost efficiency. Simplify demurrage and detention prevention with W.M. Stone: local relationships and decades of experience put to work keeping your cargo moving.
Proactive Shipment Planning
With advanced scheduling and optimized cargo routing, reduce dwell time.
Customs Clearance & Compliance Support
Expedite clearance processes to prevent port delays and storage fees.
Real-Time Monitoring & Notification
Get instant alerts on shipment status to take immediate action and avoid penalties.
Established Port & Terminal Relationships
Decades of working relationships across major ports and terminals help us anticipate problems and resolve them before they become costly delays.
250+ Years of Combined Industry ExperienceA licensed U.S. customs broker and freight forwarder with a track record of demurrage-free shipments across major ports and terminals.
Our Demurrage & Detention Prevention Services.
From pre-arrival paperwork to last-mile drayage, our team manages every touchpoint that can turn into a demurrage or detention charge.
Optimized Cargo Routing & Scheduling
Strategically plan shipments to reduce dwell times at ports and terminals.
Port & Terminal Coordination
Seamless communication with ports, carriers, and warehouses to facilitate fast cargo pickup.
Consultation & Fee Mitigation Strategies
Expert analysis of port regulations and contractual agreements to minimize cost exposure.
Drayage & Last-Mile Delivery Support
Ensure quick retrieval of containers from ports with dedicated drayage services.
Real-Time Shipment Monitoring & Alerts
Advanced tracking technology provides live updates and proactive notifications.
The W.M. Stone Commitment.
We provide efficiency, cost control, and supply chain optimization to prevent unnecessary costs.
Reduce Unnecessary Costs
Prevent demurrage and detention fees with proactive logistics management.
Ensure Faster Cargo Turnaround
Optimize storage and delivery schedules for seamless freight movement.
Enhance Supply Chain Visibility
Real-time tracking and expert coordination ensure timely shipment retrieval.
Commonly Asked Questions.
Answers to the questions we hear most from importers working to avoid demurrage and detention charges.
What is the difference between demurrage and detention?
Demurrage is the fee a carrier or terminal charges when a container is not picked up from the port or terminal within the allotted free time. Detention is the fee charged when an empty container is not returned to the carrier within its allotted free time after it leaves the terminal. Both are avoidable with proactive planning and coordination, which is where W.M. Stone's team focuses its attention.
How does W.M. Stone help us avoid these charges before they happen?
We combine pre-arrival documentation and customs clearance, optimized cargo routing and scheduling, and direct coordination with ports, carriers, and warehouses so containers move off the terminal within their free time windows rather than sitting and accruing fees.
Can W.M. Stone help if we are already facing demurrage or detention charges?
Yes. Our team can review the port regulations and contractual agreements tied to your shipment and work directly with the carrier or terminal to pursue fee mitigation strategies where they are available, while getting your cargo moving again as quickly as possible.
Do you provide drayage to help us retrieve containers quickly?
Yes. Our drayage and last-mile delivery support is built specifically to ensure quick retrieval of containers from ports and terminals, which is one of the most direct ways to reduce demurrage and detention exposure.
How do we get visibility into a shipment before it becomes a problem?
W.M. Stone provides real-time shipment monitoring and alerts, so you receive proactive notifications on status changes and can act immediately rather than discovering a delay after fees have already started accruing.
How do we get started with W.M. Stone?
Call our Norfolk office at (757) 800-6080 or email info@wmstone.com. We will review your current shipment flow and port relationships to identify where demurrage and detention risk exists and put a prevention plan in place.
Our Accreditations.
Stay Ahead of Shipping Delays.
W.M. Stone's demurrage and detention prevention services help businesses reduce fees, optimize operations, and keep cargo moving. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on growing your business.