Free Time
The allowance before demurrage or detention starts. Contractual, not a fairness mechanism.
Free time is negotiated with the carrier and stated on the booking, commonly three to seven days at destination. Everything that has to happen inside it — arrival notice, entry filed and released, delivery order, haulier booked — is a chain where any stall costs a day.
It runs while customs examines, while a broker waits for a corrected document, and while a consulate takes its time. Carriers will sometimes waive charges for a delay they caused. Almost none will for one caused by paperwork.