Free Time
The days allowed before demurrage or detention starts. It is set in the contract and does not depend on whose fault a delay is.
Free time is agreed with the carrier and stated on the booking. It is usually three to seven days at destination. Everything has to happen inside it: the arrival notice, the customs entry filed and released, the delivery order, and the haulier booked. Each step depends on the one before, so any hold-up costs a day.
It keeps running while customs examines the goods, while a broker waits for a corrected document, and while a consulate takes its time. Carriers sometimes waive charges for a delay they caused. Almost none will waive charges for a delay caused by paperwork.