One of the less predictable aspects of international shipping is the timing between when a container is loaded and when the port will accept it for export.
Most container shipments are loaded and returned directly to the port the same day, with no additional storage or equipment charges. However, that is not always possible.
Every shipping line assigns an Early Return Date (ERD)—the first day the port or container terminal will accept a loaded export container. Although the shipping line may allow us to pick up an empty container several days before your scheduled loading date, the port may refuse to accept that same container until its ERD. As a result, the loaded container must remain at the trucking company’s secure yard until the terminal opens for its return.
Adding to the challenge, shipping lines occasionally fall behind schedule. A vessel that was expected to sail on one date may be delayed by several days—or even a week+. When this happens, the ERD may also shift, extending the amount of time the container must remain in the yard.
While the container is waiting, two types of charges may apply:
- Chassis rental – the daily cost of the trailer used to transport the container.
- Yard storage – the daily cost of storing the loaded container until it can be returned to the port.
During 2026, these situations have become more common than in previous years. Depending on shipping line schedules and port operations, container shipments may occasionally experience delays that result in additional chassis rental and yard storage charges. That said, the shipping industry changes constantly, and these trends can improve—or worsen—very quickly.
We understand that these charges are frustrating. Whenever possible, we coordinate loading dates to match the ERD so the container can be returned immediately after loading. Unfortunately, the sailing schedules established by the shipping lines and the operating policies of the ports are beyond our control.
If additional chassis rental or yard storage charges become necessary, they are passed through at cost. As always, our goal is to minimize these expenses whenever circumstances allow while keeping your shipment moving safely toward Israel.
Note: This article applies only to customers shipping their own dedicated container (20′ or 40′). These charges do not apply to customers shipping via our partial shipment (shared container) service.
