Import fee benchmark

Chassis extra days: how often it hits and what it costs

Chassis rental for days beyond those included in the drayage rate.

The short answer. In our data, 37.5% of ocean container shipments whose final trucking the forwarder arranged were charged chassis extra days. When it was charged, the median bill was $150 per shipment. The middle half of bills ran from $90 to $225, and 1 in 10 was over $360.

Shipments from July 2024 to June 2026. Updated October 22, 2026.

How often it is charged
37.5%
of ocean container shipments whose final trucking the forwarder arranged
Median bill
$150
per shipment, when charged
Middle half of bills
$90–$225
25th to 75th percentile
1 in 10 bills are over
$360
90th percentile

What are chassis extra days?

Most drayage rates include a set number of chassis days. When the container stays on the chassis longer, because of a drop delivery, a slow unload or a late empty return, the extra days are billed separately. It is one of the most frequent extra charges in our data.

Chassis extra days by port

How often shipments at each published port were charged chassis extra days. Ports with too few importers are left out, and a dash means too few bills to publish a cost.

Port or rail hubHow oftenMedian billShipments
Minneapolis / St. Paul66.2%$180526
Omaha44.8%—550
Chicago41.5%$135620
Port Everglades34.7%—55
Los Angeles30.8%$165354
Long Beach25.1%—122
Houston20.7%—156
New York / New Jersey19.9%—291
Miami14.0%$75597
Savannah12.2%—115
Tampaunder 6.4%—78
All ports in the data37.5%$1505,536

How to avoid chassis extra days

  • Know how many chassis days your rate includes before you choose a drop delivery.
  • Unload drop deliveries quickly and release the empty the same day if you can.

Questions

What are chassis extra days?

Chassis rental for days beyond those included in the drayage rate. Most drayage rates include a set number of chassis days. When the container stays on the chassis longer, because of a drop delivery, a slow unload or a late empty return, the extra days are billed separately. It is one of the most frequent extra charges in our data.

How often do importers pay chassis extra days?

In our data, 37.5% of ocean container shipments whose final trucking the forwarder arranged were charged chassis extra days at least once (95% range 36.2% to 38.8%).

How much does chassis extra days cost?

When it was charged, the median chassis extra days bill was $150 per shipment. Half of all bills fell between $90 and $225, and 1 in 10 was over $360.

Free quote

Want chassis extra days spelled out before you ship?

Get a quote from a licensed US forwarder and customs broker that lists free time, demurrage terms and every trucking fee up front.

  • A clear quote with drayage, chassis and port fees listed
  • Free time and demurrage terms in writing before you book
  • A reply within one business day, no obligation

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