What is detention?
Detention is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, for the use of the carrier’s container while in shippers’ hands before the full container is gated in the port of loading.   

What is demurrage?
Demurrage is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, for the use of the carriers container while in consignee’s hands until the empty containers has been delivered in the carrier’s authorized depot
 
What are storage charges?
A storage charge is applicable, after the free time expires, for containers  (for the use of the land). This is directly invoiced by the terminals MSC is not involved whatsoever.

E-payment 

• Pay the manifests and invoices in your account statement, opting or not opting for the deduction of retentions. 
• Quote extension of free days and generate the demurrage order, deducting or not deducting the withholding value for local expenses, allowing us to apply your payment faster, as well as to know the extension date for the update of your CAS. 
• Re-extend the days off by paying only the incremental demurrage (the initial demurrage order is required to match the amount received). 
• Direct the local demurrage charges to your agent if you have agreed this with your agent. 
  
  

Verified Gross Mass or VGM refers to the exact, verified weight of a packed container. For safety reasons, vessel operators can only load a container if its weight has been verified.

In line with SOLAS (Safety of Lives at Sea) regulations, all marine terminals  are now allowed to use their certified scales to record Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of shipments.

What do I need to include in my VGM instructions?

You must include the following on all VGM instructions:

• Booking or Bill of Lading (BL) number
• Container number
• VGM + weight measurement unit (lbs. or kgs.)
• Responsible Party Name
• Digital signature of the authorised signatory in all CAPITAL LETTERS.

How can I submit my VGM instructions?

• myMSC (Free of Charge) 
• EDI (via INTTRA; GT NEXUS; Cargo Smart)
• Manually (via INTTRA; GT NEXUS; Cargo Smart)
• Email: us038-vgmusa@msc.com (note: the email will only be monitored for VGM declarations)

Guidelines for submitting your VGM instructions

• MSC prefers to receive a Shipper-Verified Gross Mass (VGM) before cargo is delivered. This helps to avoid any unexpected weighing charges being levied against the cargo at the US Port of Loading, which will be billed to the Shipper of Record.
• Any Shipper of Record-signed VGM will override any VGM derived at or by the terminal.
• For truck delivery, the ultimate deadline for VGM submission will be 12:00 noon local time on the day of the cargo cut-off. 
• There are currently no US terminals with a “NO VGM – No GATE” policy. 
• All rail shipments must have the VGM submitted within 24 hours of the container gating in at the origin rail ramp, to avoid any extra fees levied by the terminal for weighing services. Late gates will only be considered for approval when a VGM is submitted by the Shipper of Record before 12:00 noon, local time, on the day of the cargo cut-off. 

MSC admin fees and costs 

• Manual VGM Submission Fee (applies to email, fax, and inclusion on standard shipping instructions): 25 USD per container. 
• Late VGM Submission Fee: 25 USD per container. 
• VGM Misdeclaration Fee: 300 USD per misdeclaration, per container.

It is illegal to bring the following items into or out of Ecuador. 
 
Import 

• Used tyres 
• Radioactive materials 
• Drugs 
• Used vehicles 

According to new customs regulation, for all Ecuadorian that returns to Ecuador, the import of vehicles are allowed if they are part of household goods for  domestic use only, which with an EXW value of US$23,160 and a cylinder capacity no larger  than 3,000 cubic cm. Manufacturing date could be up to 5 years before the date of import. The vehicle must be shipped together with others household goods and personal effects. 
The importation of motor vehicles and other land vehicles is permitted, if they are new and their model year corresponds to the year in which they are imported or to the year following the import. The model will be verified by the vehicle identification number. (Comex Resolution # 51) 

• Used clothing and used footwear.  
  (Ecuadorian Customs Resolution # 020-2017) 
• Personal effect or household goods.

IMPORTANT : 

• MSC Ecuador has to receive a BL Draft with personal effects or household goods before loading, in order to confirm with the freight forwarder their acceptance and agreement to be mentioned as consignees. 
• Charity goods, personal effects and household goods will be only accepted if the same are qualify as diplomatic shipments or if consigned to a freight forwarder, who has previously confirmed cargo acceptance.
• In case of diplomatic shipments, please include into D.of goods "diplomatic shipment"  

 IF above is not respected the containers WILL NOT BE DISCHARGED AT Guayaquil AND ALL EXTRA CHARGES INCURRED WILL BE FOR MANIFESTING AGENT'S ACCOUNT. 

 Export 

• Radioactive materials 
• Drugs