A seller called me last week. His container sat at Jebel Ali for nine days because the forwarder would not release it over USD 7,800 in peak season surcharges. Storage runs AED 100-150 per box per day, climbing from day five. His buyer was already asking for a refund.
Honestly, start with three documents: the bill of lading terms, the booking confirmation, and the quotation. If the quote only says "ocean freight" and never says destination charges are excluded, that argument will run for weeks.
My approach is four steps. First, get the D/O release checklist 72 hours before arrival and check every line. Second, skip original B/Ls in peak season; couriers take 3-5 days, telex release is safer. Third, pay the undisputed portion to get the cargo out and sign a letter reserving your claim, so storage fees do not become the main story. Fourth, cap peak surcharges in the booking confirmation, say USD 300 per container.
One more detail: Dammam storage is cheaper at SAR 60-90 per day, but inland trucking costs more. Pick the wrong gateway and the savings disappear.
Frankly, eight out of ten peak disputes come from a vague quotation. Budget a 5-8% buffer; it is cheaper than three days of arguing.
Would your quotation dare to state a destination charge cap?