Reefer Plug-In & Monitoring Fee Calculator
Total refrigerated-container electricity, plug/unplug and monitoring charges for time on terminal power.
Set a tier's days to 0 to mean “all remaining days”.
Reefer electricity + monitoring is normally billable from day one (no free time) and is charged on top of any reefer demurrage, which itself runs higher than dry-box rates.
With your numbers: 4 days − 0 free = 4 chargeable days = 4×$95 + $60 = $440 per reefer.
Sources & references
- Published reefer service tariffs of major container terminals (power & monitoring sections)
- Container Owners Association — reefer operations guidance
Demurrage, detention and storage tariffs are set by each carrier, terminal and contract and change frequently. The preloaded figures are editable industry-typical examples, not quotes — always verify against the current published tariff or your service contract before paying or disputing an invoice.
Disclaimer: This tool is for general informational and estimation purposes only and is not professional financial, tax, accounting or legal advice. All figures are estimates — verify with a qualified professional before making decisions. Read the full disclaimer.
A refrigerated container on a terminal must be plugged in, powered and physically monitored (most terminals log temperatures every few hours, some twice daily by union labor) — and every part of that is billable. Plug-in fees typically include electricity plus the monitoring rounds, charged per day from the moment the box goes on power, with a one-off plug/unplug service fee on top.
About Reefer Plug-In & Monitoring Fee Calculator
The default models a common structure: roughly $95/day for the first stretch rising to $120, plus a $60 plug/unplug charge — figures in the range published by North American and European terminals. Because reefers also carry shorter demurrage free time (often 2–3 days versus 4–7 for dry boxes) and higher demurrage rates, a delayed reefer accumulates three cost layers at once; this tool isolates the power/monitoring layer. The operational lesson for perishables importers: pre-clear before arrival and book the pickup for the first available day. Unlike dry cargo, waiting out a dispute with cargo on power is itself expensive — and if the genset or plug record shows gaps, you'll want the terminal's monitoring log anyway as cold-chain evidence, so request it with the invoice.
How to use Reefer Plug-In & Monitoring Fee Calculator
- 1Enter days on terminal power and how many reefers are affected.
- 2Set your free days and edit the tariff tiers to match the published tariff or your contract — every figure is editable.
- 3Read the per-tier breakdown and the worked example showing exactly how the total is built, day by day.
- 4Change the inputs to compare scenarios (pick up now vs later) before the charges harden into an invoice.
Why use Reefer Plug-In & Monitoring Fee Calculator?
- ✓Per-tier breakdown mirrors how carrier and terminal billing systems itemise invoices
- ✓Every figure — free time, tier days, rates — is editable to match any published tariff
- ✓Instant what-if comparisons before charges harden into an invoice
- ✓Free and private — all math runs in your browser
Frequently asked questions
Why do reefers have no free time for plug-in fees?+
Because the cost is real from hour one: electricity, plug gangs and scheduled temperature checks happen whether or not the demurrage clock has started. Most terminals bill power/monitoring per calendar day (or fraction) from connection, even inside the demurrage free-time window.
What does it cost to keep a reefer on power at a terminal?+
Commonly $75–$150 per day at major gateways including monitoring, with one-off plug/unplug fees of $40–$90. Four days on power under the default tariff comes to 4 × $95 + $60 = $440 — before any demurrage. High-cost ports and peak seasons run higher.
Is reefer demurrage more expensive than dry container demurrage?+
Almost always: shorter free time (2–3 days is common) and rates often 1.5–3× dry-box tiers, reflecting that reefer slots with power outlets are scarce terminal real estate. The combination means a reefer dwelling a week can cost more in charges than some short ocean legs.
Can I get the terminal's temperature monitoring log?+
Yes — request it when you pay or dispute plug-in fees. Terminals keep per-round logs (time, setpoint, supply/return air temps). The log doubles as chain-of-custody evidence for cargo insurance or a cold-chain certificate if the consignee questions product integrity after a long dwell.
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