Why LFD accuracy is critical
Last Free Day (LFD) accuracy directly impacts operational costs through demurrage risk management. A single day's error can result in substantial unnecessary charges that erode already-thin margins. OpenTrack continually aggregates all three LFDs — line, terminal, and rail — providing the comprehensive visibility required for effective planning.
Real differences between LFDs
Following last year's regulatory changes, carriers now maintain their own LFD calculations separate from terminal LFDs. This dual system creates discrepancies that require vigilant monitoring.
When carrier and terminal LFDs differ, the earliest date always governs actual charges. OpenTrack clearly indicates when these differences exist and which date requires your immediate attention.
How often do these differences happen? OpenTrack data shows that:
- Line LFD is earlier than the terminal LFD 15% of the time.
- Terminal LFD is earlier than the line LFD 26% of the time.
- The rest of the time, both are the same day.
It’s a similar story with LFD reported by the rail carriers. OpenTrack data shows that:
- Line LFD is earlier than the rail LFD 8% of the time.
- Rail LFD is earlier than the line LFD 10% of the time.
- The rest of the time, both are the same day.
Complete LFD coverage is essential
OpenTrack continually aggregates all three LFDs — line, terminal, and rail — providing the comprehensive visibility required for effective planning.
But it’s not enough to retrieve LFD from the line, terminal, and rail. You also need to get the “Good Through” date from the terminal, which can correspond to the line LFD.
Since LFDs can be complex, we focus on making it simple for your team to understand and take action on. So OpenTrack will show you which LFD we’re displaying and why:
LFD change timeline
OpenTrack documents the complete timeline of LFD changes, enabling you to identify patterns and hold parties accountable when dates shift unexpectedly. This audit trail provides critical documentation for dispute resolution.
Release status clarity
Our system displays the current status across all critical release categories:
- Carrier release
- Customs release
- Terminal release
This unified view eliminates the need to check in multiple different places to determine container availability.
Hold status and demurrage reporting
Beyond basic release information, OpenTrack provides:
- Current hold statuses with type codes across terminal, line, customs, USDA, FDA and other holds
- Demurrage charges, both currently owed and accumulated over time
Proactive demurrage risk management
Know your demurrage risk ahead of time. Our risk algorithms analyze historical patterns, current container status, and current last free day to evaluate your demurrage risk.
This enables you to prioritize containers requiring immediate action, and allows your team to stay ahead of urgent situations — before they go too far.
