--- title: "Sshinc (or satshinc)" description: "Saturdays Sundays Holidays Included." url: "https://oceancargo.co.uk/shipping-terms/sshinc-or-satshinc" date: "2026-05-01T19:23:04+00:00" language: "en-GB" --- ![Ocean Cargo](https://oceancargo.co.uk/images/GenPics/OCs-Customs-Brokerage.webp) # Understanding SSHINC (Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays Included) in Freight Shipping ## What is SSHINC and Why is it Crucial for Your Shipments? In the fast-paced world of global logistics, precision in scheduling and clear communication are paramount. One acronym that frequently arises in freight forwarding, particularly concerning demurrage and detention, is **SSHINC**, or **Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays Included**. This seemingly small detail can have significant financial implications for your business, making a thorough understanding essential for effective supply chain management. At Ocean Cargo, we believe in demystifying complex shipping terms to empower our clients. SSHINC specifies that weekends and public holidays are counted when calculating free time for cargo at ports or terminals. Conversely, its counterpart, SSHEX (Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays Excluded), means these days are not counted. The difference between these two terms can directly impact your costs, as exceeding the allotted free time leads to demurrage or detention charges. Understanding whether your shipping agreement includes or excludes these non-working days is critical for planning, budgeting, and avoiding unexpected expenses. Ocean Cargo's expert team ensures that all terms, including SSHINC, are clearly communicated and managed, providing you with peace of mind and predictable logistics. ## The Impact of SSHINC on Demurrage and Detention To fully grasp the importance of SSHINC, it's vital to understand its direct link to demurrage and detention charges. These are two distinct but related fees that can quickly escalate if not managed properly: - **Demurrage:** This charge is levied by the shipping line when your cargo remains at the port or terminal beyond the agreed-upon "free time." This free time is the period during which your container can sit at the port without incurring additional costs. If your agreement is SSHINC, then every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday within that free time period counts towards the total. - **Detention:** This charge applies when you, as the consignee, keep the shipping line's container outside the port or terminal beyond the agreed free time. This typically occurs after the container has been picked up from the port but has not yet been returned empty. Again, if your contract specifies SSHINC, these non-working days will be included in the calculation of your free time for the container's use. Consider a scenario where you have 7 days of free time. If your agreement is SSHINC, and those 7 days include a weekend and a public holiday, you effectively have fewer "working days" to clear your cargo or return the container. This can put immense pressure on your operations, especially if customs clearance or inland transport faces delays. Ocean Cargo's comprehensive [customs compliance services](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance/) and proactive communication help mitigate these risks, ensuring your cargo moves efficiently and within the free time window, regardless of SSHINC terms. ## Why SSHINC Matters for Your Supply Chain Planning The inclusion or exclusion of weekends and holidays in your free time calculation has far-reaching implications for your entire supply chain. Ignoring this detail can lead to significant financial penalties and operational bottlenecks. Here's why it's a critical factor: ### Financial Implications: - **Increased Costs:** Demurrage and detention charges can be substantial, often ranging from tens to hundreds of pounds per container per day. Over a few days, these costs can quickly erode profit margins. - **Budget Uncertainty:** Without a clear understanding of SSHINC, your logistics budget can become unpredictable, making accurate financial forecasting challenging. ### Operational Challenges: - **Tight Deadlines:** SSHINC effectively shortens your operational window. If a shipment arrives just before a long weekend or a series of public holidays, your team has fewer working days to process it, increasing the risk of incurring charges. - **Resource Allocation:** You might need to arrange for weekend or holiday labour, or expedited transport, to avoid charges, leading to higher operational costs. - **Customs Clearance:** Customs offices often operate on reduced hours or are closed during weekends and holidays. If your free time is counting down under SSHINC, but customs isn't working, you're in a difficult position. Ocean Cargo's expertise in [customs brokerage](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance/) helps navigate these complexities, ensuring timely clearance. - **Warehouse Capacity:** Delays in cargo collection due to SSHINC can lead to congestion at your warehouse or distribution centre, impacting subsequent shipments. Ocean Cargo works closely with clients to anticipate these challenges. Whether you're shipping [excavators and diggers to the UAE](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/uae/excavators-diggers-uae) or [wind turbine components to Australia](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/australia/wind-turbine-components-blades-nacelles-tower-sections-australia), our team provides transparent advice and robust planning to minimise the impact of SSHINC and keep your supply chain flowing smoothly. ## Navigating SSHINC: Best Practices for Shippers While SSHINC can present challenges, proactive strategies can help you mitigate risks and manage your logistics more effectively. Ocean Cargo recommends the following best practices: 1. **Clarify Terms Upfront:** Always confirm whether your shipping quote and Bill of Lading specify SSHINC or SSHEX for free time calculations. This should be a non-negotiable point of clarification with your freight forwarder. 2. **Factor in Public Holidays:** Be aware of public holidays in both the origin and destination countries. These can significantly impact the available working days for cargo processing. 3. **Communicate with Your Freight Forwarder:** Maintain open and continuous communication with your freight forwarder. A reliable partner like Ocean Cargo will keep you informed of vessel arrival times, potential delays, and the status of your free time. 4. **Expedite Documentation:** Ensure all necessary shipping documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations, are prepared accurately and submitted promptly. Delays in documentation are a primary cause of demurrage. 5. **Pre-Arrange Inland Transport:** Have your inland transport arrangements, including truck availability and delivery schedules, confirmed well in advance of the vessel's arrival. This is particularly crucial for [road freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/road-freight/) movements from the port. 6. **Consider Port Congestion:** Research or inquire about typical port congestion levels at your destination. High congestion can exacerbate SSHINC issues by delaying container offloading and pickup. 7. **Utilise Technology:** Leverage tracking and visibility tools provided by your freight forwarder to monitor your shipment's progress and anticipate arrival times. 8. **Build Buffer Time:** Where possible, build a small buffer into your supply chain schedule to account for unforeseen delays, especially when SSHINC applies. Ocean Cargo's dedicated team acts as an extension of your logistics department, providing expert guidance and hands-on management to navigate the complexities of SSHINC and ensure your cargo reaches its destination efficiently. Whether it's [sea freight to Canada](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/canada/sea-freight-canada) or [customs brokerage for the USA](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/usa/customs-brokerage-usa), we're committed to delivering precision and reliability. ## Ocean Cargo: Your Partner in Navigating Complex Shipping Terms At Ocean Cargo, we understand that global logistics can be a minefield of acronyms, regulations, and potential pitfalls. Our mission is to simplify this complexity for our clients, providing transparent, efficient, and cost-effective freight forwarding solutions. With over 25 years of industry experience, Ocean Cargo has built a reputation for reliability, precision, and trust. We don't just move cargo; we build strategic partnerships, offering consultative advice and hands-on management for every shipment. Our expertise spans all modes of transport, including comprehensive [sea freight services](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/sea-freight/) and urgent [air freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/air-freight/) solutions. When you partner with Ocean Cargo, you benefit from: - **Clear Communication:** We ensure all terms, including SSHINC, are fully explained and understood, eliminating hidden costs and surprises. - **Proactive Management:** Our team actively monitors your shipments, anticipating potential delays and taking pre-emptive action to avoid demurrage and detention. - **Expert Customs Compliance:** Our in-house customs experts streamline the clearance process, reducing the risk of delays at the port. - **Tailored Solutions:** We design logistics strategies that fit your specific needs, whether you're shipping standard goods or require specialist [project logistics](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/project-logistics "project logistics") for items like [wind turbine components to Australia](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/australia/wind-turbine-components-blades-nacelles-tower-sections-australia). - **Global Network:** Our extensive network ensures seamless service to key markets worldwide, from the USA to the UAE. Don't let acronyms like SSHINC add unnecessary stress or cost to your international shipments. Trust Ocean Cargo to be your strategic partner, providing the clarity, control, and confidence you need to succeed in global trade. ## Frequently Asked Questions About SSHINC #### What is the difference between SSHINC and SSHEX? SSHINC stands for "Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays Included," meaning these non-working days are counted when calculating free time for cargo at ports or for container usage. SSHEX stands for "Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays Excluded," meaning these days are not counted, giving you more effective working days for clearance and return. #### How does SSHINC affect my shipping costs? If your free time agreement is SSHINC, you have fewer effective working days to clear your cargo or return the container. Exceeding this free time will result in demurrage (for cargo at port) or detention (for containers outside port) charges, which can be significant daily fees. #### Who determines if SSHINC or SSHEX applies to my shipment? The terms (SSHINC or SSHEX) are typically set by the shipping line or carrier and are part of the contractual agreement for your shipment. It's crucial to clarify these terms with your freight forwarder, like Ocean Cargo, before booking to understand your obligations. #### Can Ocean Cargo help me avoid SSHINC-related charges? Yes, Ocean Cargo actively works to help clients avoid SSHINC-related charges. We do this through clear communication of terms, proactive shipment monitoring, efficient [customs clearance](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance "customs clearance"), and expert planning of inland transport to ensure cargo is moved within the free time window. #### Are public holidays in the origin or destination country considered for SSHINC? Yes, public holidays in the relevant country (where the cargo is located or the container is being used) are included in the SSHINC calculation. It's essential to be aware of these holidays to plan accordingly. ### Ready to simplify your global logistics? Get advice and a quote for your next shipment. Contact the Ocean Cargo team to start shipping. 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