Shipping Line (SSL) Last Free Day (LFD)

Terminal49 displays the Last Free Day (LFD) for shipping line alongside existing LFDs from Terminal and Rail sources. When multiple LFD sources are available and present conflicting dates, Terminal49 displays each one—empowering you to prioritize the correct governing LFD typically the shipping Line.

Why LFD Source Discrepancies Lead to Demurrage Fees

Terminal and Rail-provided LFDs can differ from the shipping line's LFD. Because demurrage is most often governed by shipping line rules, acting on a terminal's later LFD can lead to avoidable fees. 

Common causes of discrepancies include:

• Operational Timing differences: Shipping Lines often key off vessel/Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) events (earlier), while terminals post LFD when a container is physically in yard (can lag 1–2 days).

• Data availability differences: Some ports don't publish a terminal LFD; the line remains the authoritative source. Rail may publish a destination LFD that's operationally relevant to the line, not the consignee.

Shipping Line LFD: What You Need to Know

• You can see the shipping line LFD, and compare sources when they differ, and plan to the earliest governing date, usually the Shipping Line, to minimize risk.

• For each container where LFD data is available, we show a new compact label to show the LFD and the date.

A compact chip like LFD: July 8 S appears where LFD is available.
*S = Shipping Line, T = Terminal, R = Rail.

If sources differ you'll see both, e.g. LFD: July 8 S / July 9 T.

These chips appear in multiple places (see below) so your team can act quickly during daily ops.

• The 'combined LFD' column now prioritizes carrier data when available. Make sure to always use always use this column. 

• See SSL LFD at the end of the journey (whether port or inland)

Where LFD Data Appears in Terminal49

• Shipments Dashboard – each container row shows LFD

  

• Home → Containers that need Attention – shows approaching/past LFD

  

• Shipment Details → Containers – each container card shows the tag(s)

  

• Column on container views

  

To check which steamship lines provide LFD data, please refer to our Carrier Data Matrix.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Do you always show all sources?

   1. We show what's provided by the shipping line/terminal/rail (if available in your account). Some terminals/shipping lines don't publish certain LFDs.
      

2. Which LFD drives demurrage?

   Typically the shipping Line (S) LFD. That's why we surface it prominently when present.
   

3. Two LFDs differ, what should I do?

   1. Plan to the earliest date and (optionally) confirm with the Shipping Line if the gap is material. Use terminal LFD for gate planning, but not as the governing fee date.
      

4. We move mostly by rail, what should we look at?

   1. Focus on R (rail) and S (line). Treat terminal Port of Discharge (POD) LFD as informational only once rail is in control.

If you have any questions or feedback regarding shipping line LFD, the fastest way to get assistance is through our in-app chat. You can also reach us at support@terminal49.com.