Demurrage and Storage | BNSF

Demurrage and Storage

Demurrage fees are applied to rail cars being held waiting to be loaded or unloaded while at origin or destination. These fees help railroads improve equipment utilization and maintain efficient networks. Reduced rail car dwell translates into faster, more reliable cycle times and better service.

Tell us a little about what you are shipping to learn more about BNSF's demurrage and storage.

Ag Products

How It Works

BNSF calculates and bills demurrage fees using a debits and credits system to calculate Chargeable Days. Chargeable Days now include Sundays. Holidays as identified by BNSF are still excluded. Click here for the BNSF Demurrage Book Summary  or refer to BNSF Demurrage Book 6004-C  for complete terms and conditions. The rules and provisions contained in the BNSF Demurrage Book 6004-C are subject to modification or cancellation at any time and without prior notice. Any specific provisions take precedence over general provisions, unless otherwise stated.

Tariffs

Note: If there is a conflict between the content on this site and the applicable Tariff, the Tariff will prevail.

Helpful Tips

  • Customers should not order more rail cars than their facility can hold and need to manage their inbound pipeline. BNSF provides tools for customers to understand inbound car flows and accruing demurrage.
  • The BNSF Rail Central  online tool is available to manage the incoming flow of rail cars, to order and release and to manage rail inventory.
  • The BNSF Customer Dwell Management Tool (CDMT) online tool is used to minimize dwell and demurrage charges. Occasionally customers may have questions or concerns relating to demurrage charges and resolution to such may be initiated through CDMT. To access the tool, login on the Customer Portal.
  • Read more to understand Key Measurements and Events 

Customer Notifications

Get the latest customer notifications on extended equipment use and services.

Note: If there is a conflict between the content on this site and the applicable Tariff, the Tariff will prevail.

Billing

BNSF's goal is to turn cars as efficiently as possible, thus minimizing dwell and demurrage charges. The Customer Dwell Management Tool (CDMT) is an invaluable tool designed to assist in monitoring current inventory and minimizing car dwell and charges.

CMDT is a secured application and can assist with:

  • Current Inventory Status
  • Current Month Accruing Charges
  • Past Invoices
  • Invoice or Car inquiries and disputes

To access the tool, login on the Customer Portal.

Contacts

Contact BNSF to learn more about demurrage and storage.

Call us at 888-428-2673

E-mail:

Automobiles

How It Works

There are two different types of extended equipment use for traffic on BNSF Railway - vehicle and railcar storage.

Vehicle Storage

Automotive Storage free time and charges apply to the amount of time a motor vehicle remains at a BNSF automotive facility waiting to be picked up by a haulaway carrier. Notification occurs when BNSF advises the notify party that a motor vehicle is available. Vehicle storage charges are calculated using an averaging methodology once free time expires. Motor vehicles detained on a railcar will also incur a storage charge.

Railcar Storage Charges

Please reference the Automotive Rules and Policies Guide for storage charges.

Helpful Tips

At BNSF, it's our goal to simplify all the details so you can focus on what's really important: your cargo.

Vehicle Storage Averaging Methodology

There is free time allotted for each vehicle. Free time is the time between when the motor vehicle is unloaded from a railcar and 12:01 a.m. following notification. However, there is no free time for vehicles trucked in/trucked out, or when railcars are detained or rejected due to a shipper's condition.

Vehicle storage is calculated on a system of credits and debits. Each vehicle receives three storage credits per motor vehicle after unloading it from the railcar. Storage debits or charges begin accruing the day after rail unloading (see rate on Automotive Rules and Policies Guide).

Examples:

Shipper moves 1,000 motor vehicles to a particular facility each month.

  1. Each vehicle remains (dwells) at the facility for two (2) days. 3,000 credits (1,000 vehicles x 3 credits) - 2,000 debits (1,000 vehicles x 2 debits) = 1,000 credits. Since storage credits exceed debits, no storage charges would be assessed.
  2. Each vehicle remains (dwells) at the facility for four (4) days. 4,000 debits (1,000 vehicles x 4 debits) - 3,000 credits (1,000 vehicles x 3 credits) = 1,000 debits. Since storage debits exceed credits, a storage charge of $5,000 (1,000 debits x $5) would be assessed.

Other Resources

Customer Notifications

Get the latest customer notifications on extended equipment use and services.

Billing

The shipper or payer of the transportation (freight) charges is responsible for payment of all storage charges. All storage charges are billed on the 10th for the previous month and invoices mailed to customers. Vehicle storage charges (debit/credit system) will accumulate for each facility and will not offset storage charges at other facilities. Excess credits from one month cannot be carried forward or used to offset charges in other months or at other facilities. Any billing issues can be addressed during the current month but no later than 30 days after the invoice date.

Contacts

Contact BNSF to learn more about demurrage and storage.

Call us at 888-428-2673

E-mail:

Chemicals & Plastics

How It Works

BNSF calculates and bills demurrage fees using a debits and credits system to calculate Chargeable Days. Chargeable Days now include Sundays. Holidays as identified by BNSF are still excluded. Click here for the BNSF Demurrage Book Summary  or refer to BNSF Demurrage Book 6004-C  for complete terms and conditions. The rules and provisions contained in the BNSF Demurrage Book 6004-C are subject to modification or cancellation at any time and without prior notice. Any specific provisions take precedence over general provisions, unless otherwise stated.

Tariffs

Note: If there is a conflict between the content on this site and the applicable Tariff, the Tariff will prevail.

Helpful Tips

  • Customers should not order more rail cars than their facility can hold and need to manage their inbound pipeline. BNSF provides tools for customers to understand inbound car flows and accruing demurrage.
  • The BNSF Rail Central  online tool is available to manage the incoming flow of rail cars, to order and release and to manage rail inventory.
  • The BNSF Customer Dwell Management Tool (CDMT) online tool is used to minimize dwell and demurrage charges. Occasionally customers may have questions or concerns relating to demurrage charges and resolution to such may be initiated through CDMT. To access the tool, login on the Customer Portal.
  • Read more to understand Key Measurements and Events 

Customer Notifications

Get the latest customer notifications on extended equipment use and services.

Note: If there is a conflict between the content on this site and the applicable Tariff, the Tariff will prevail.

Billing

BNSF's goal is to turn cars as efficiently as possible, thus minimizing dwell and demurrage charges. The Customer Dwell Management Tool (CDMT) is an invaluable tool designed to assist in monitoring current inventory and minimizing car dwell and charges.

CMDT is a secured application and can assist with:

  • Current Inventory Status
  • Current Month Accruing Charges
  • Past Invoices
  • Invoice or Car inquiries and disputes

To access the tool, login on the Customer Portal.

Contacts

Contact BNSF to learn more about demurrage and storage.

Call us at 888-428-2673

E-mail:

Coal

How It Works

BNSF calculates and bills demurrage fees using a debits and credits system to calculate Chargeable Days. Chargeable Days now include Sundays. Holidays as identified by BNSF are still excluded. Click here for the BNSF Demurrage Book Summary  or refer to BNSF Demurrage Book 6004-C  for complete terms and conditions. The rules and provisions contained in the BNSF Demurrage Book 6004-C are subject to modification or cancellation at any time and without prior notice. Any specific provisions take precedence over general provisions, unless otherwise stated.

Tariffs

Note: If there is a conflict between the content on this site and the applicable Tariff, the Tariff will prevail.

Helpful Tips

  • Customers should not order more rail cars than their facility can hold and need to manage their inbound pipeline. BNSF provides tools for customers to understand inbound car flows and accruing demurrage.
  • The BNSF Rail Central  online tool is available to manage the incoming flow of rail cars, to order and release and to manage rail inventory.
  • The BNSF Customer Dwell Management Tool (CDMT) online tool is used to minimize dwell and demurrage charges. Occasionally customers may have questions or concerns relating to demurrage charges and resolution to such may be initiated through CDMT. To access the tool, login on the Customer Portal.
  • Read more to understand Key Measurements and Events 

Customer Notifications

Get the latest customer notifications on extended equipment use and services.

Note: If there is a conflict between the content on this site and the applicable Tariff, the Tariff will prevail.

Billing

BNSF's goal is to turn cars as efficiently as possible, thus minimizing dwell and demurrage charges. The Customer Dwell Management Tool (CDMT) is an invaluable tool designed to assist in monitoring current inventory and minimizing car dwell and charges.

CMDT is a secured application and can assist with:

  • Current Inventory Status
  • Current Month Accruing Charges
  • Past Invoices
  • Invoice or Car inquiries and disputes

To access the tool, login on the Customer Portal.

Contacts

Contact BNSF to learn more about demurrage and storage.

Call us at 888-428-2673

E-mail:

Construction & Forest Products

How It Works

BNSF calculates and bills demurrage fees using a debits and credits system to calculate Chargeable Days. Chargeable Days now include Sundays. Holidays as identified by BNSF are still excluded. Click here for the BNSF Demurrage Book Summary  or refer to BNSF Demurrage Book 6004-C  for complete terms and conditions. The rules and provisions contained in the BNSF Demurrage Book 6004-C are subject to modification or cancellation at any time and without prior notice. Any specific provisions take precedence over general provisions, unless otherwise stated.

Tariffs

Note: If there is a conflict between the content on this site and the applicable Tariff, the Tariff will prevail.

Helpful Tips

  • Customers should not order more rail cars than their facility can hold and need to manage their inbound pipeline. BNSF provides tools for customers to understand inbound car flows and accruing demurrage.
  • The BNSF Rail Central  online tool is available to manage the incoming flow of rail cars, to order and release and to manage rail inventory.
  • The BNSF Customer Dwell Management Tool (CDMT) online tool is used to minimize dwell and demurrage charges. Occasionally customers may have questions or concerns relating to demurrage charges and resolution to such may be initiated through CDMT. To access the tool, login on the Customer Portal.
  • Read more to understand Key Measurements and Events 

Customer Notifications

Get the latest customer notifications on extended equipment use and services.

Note: If there is a conflict between the content on this site and the applicable Tariff, the Tariff will prevail.

Billing

BNSF's goal is to turn cars as efficiently as possible, thus minimizing dwell and demurrage charges. The Customer Dwell Management Tool (CDMT) is an invaluable tool designed to assist in monitoring current inventory and minimizing car dwell and charges.

CMDT is a secured application and can assist with:

  • Current Inventory Status
  • Current Month Accruing Charges
  • Past Invoices
  • Invoice or Car inquiries and disputes

To access the tool, login on the Customer Portal.

Contacts

Contact BNSF to learn more about demurrage and storage.

Call us at 888-428-2673

E-mail:

Energy Products & Fuels

How It Works

BNSF calculates and bills demurrage fees using a debits and credits system to calculate Chargeable Days. Chargeable Days now include Sundays. Holidays as identified by BNSF are still excluded. Click here for the BNSF Demurrage Book Summary  or refer to BNSF Demurrage Book 6004-C  for complete terms and conditions. The rules and provisions contained in the BNSF Demurrage Book 6004-C are subject to modification or cancellation at any time and without prior notice. Any specific provisions take precedence over general provisions, unless otherwise stated.

Tariffs

Note: If there is a conflict between the content on this site and the applicable Tariff, the Tariff will prevail.

Helpful Tips

  • Customers should not order more rail cars than their facility can hold and need to manage their inbound pipeline. BNSF provides tools for customers to understand inbound car flows and accruing demurrage.
  • The BNSF Rail Central  online tool is available to manage the incoming flow of rail cars, to order and release and to manage rail inventory.
  • The BNSF Customer Dwell Management Tool (CDMT) online tool is used to minimize dwell and demurrage charges. Occasionally customers may have questions or concerns relating to demurrage charges and resolution to such may be initiated through CDMT. To access the tool, login on the Customer Portal.
  • Read more to understand Key Measurements and Events 

Customer Notifications

Get the latest customer notifications on extended equipment use and services.

Note: If there is a conflict between the content on this site and the applicable Tariff, the Tariff will prevail.

Billing

BNSF's goal is to turn cars as efficiently as possible, thus minimizing dwell and demurrage charges. The Customer Dwell Management Tool (CDMT) is an invaluable tool designed to assist in monitoring current inventory and minimizing car dwell and charges.

CMDT is a secured application and can assist with:

  • Current Inventory Status
  • Current Month Accruing Charges
  • Past Invoices
  • Invoice or Car inquiries and disputes

To access the tool, login on the Customer Portal.

Contacts

BNSF's goal is to turn cars as efficiently as possible, thus minimizing dwell and demurrage charges. The Customer Dwell Management Tool (CDMT) is an invaluable tool designed to assist in monitoring current inventory and minimizing car dwell and charges.

CMDT is a secured application and can assist with:

  • Current Inventory Status
  • Current Month Accruing Charges
  • Past Invoices
  • Invoice or Car inquiries and disputes

To access the tool, login on the Customer Portal.

Food & Beverages

How It Works

BNSF calculates and bills demurrage fees using a debits and credits system to calculate Chargeable Days. Chargeable Days now include Sundays. Holidays as identified by BNSF are still excluded. Click here for the BNSF Demurrage Book Summary  or refer to BNSF Demurrage Book 6004-C  for complete terms and conditions. The rules and provisions contained in the BNSF Demurrage Book 6004-C are subject to modification or cancellation at any time and without prior notice. Any specific provisions take precedence over general provisions, unless otherwise stated.

Tariffs

Note: If there is a conflict between the content on this site and the applicable Tariff, the Tariff will prevail.

Helpful Tips

  • Customers should not order more rail cars than their facility can hold and need to manage their inbound pipeline. BNSF provides tools for customers to understand inbound car flows and accruing demurrage.
  • The BNSF Rail Central  online tool is available to manage the incoming flow of rail cars, to order and release and to manage rail inventory.
  • The BNSF Customer Dwell Management Tool (CDMT) online tool is used to minimize dwell and demurrage charges. Occasionally customers may have questions or concerns relating to demurrage charges and resolution to such may be initiated through CDMT. To access the tool, login on the Customer Portal.
  • Read more to understand Key Measurements and Events 

Customer Notifications

Get the latest customer notifications on extended equipment use and services.

Note: If there is a conflict between the content on this site and the applicable Tariff, the Tariff will prevail.

Billing

BNSF's goal is to turn cars as efficiently as possible, thus minimizing dwell and demurrage charges. The Customer Dwell Management Tool (CDMT) is an invaluable tool designed to assist in monitoring current inventory and minimizing car dwell and charges.

CMDT is a secured application and can assist with:

  • Current Inventory Status
  • Current Month Accruing Charges
  • Past Invoices
  • Invoice or Car inquiries and disputes

To access the tool, login on the Customer Portal.

Contacts

Contact BNSF to learn more about demurrage and storage.

Call us at 888-428-2673

E-mail:

Intermodal

How It Works

Intermodal Storage free time and charges apply to equipment held at a BNSF facility from notification to out gate. Notification occurs when BNSF advises the notify party that the equipment is available. Storage charges begin accruing when free time expires. BNSF Intermodal facilities are tiered into two groups with specific free times and daily storage charges (see Helpful Tips).

Helpful Tips

At BNSF it's our goal to simplify all the details so you can focus on what's really important: your cargo.

See the Rules and Charges for Intermodal Storage section in the Intermodal Rules and Policies Guide.

Billing

All storage charges must be paid on equipment before it leaves BNSF property. Charges can be paid through the BNSF Storage Web tool by either credit card or guarantee. Cash, cashiers or certified checks are not accepted at the gate. Any billing issues can be filed online through BNSF's Storage or Account Status Web tool. To access these tools, log into the Customer Portal.

Contacts

Contact BNSF to learn more about demurrage and storage.

Call us at 888-428-2673

E-mail: