# BNSF intermodal storage: where the rules are and how it works

BNSF says intermodal storage free time and charges apply to equipment held at a BNSF facility from notification to out gate, and that storage charges begin when free time expires. The rules are in its Intermodal Rules and Policies Guide. We do not copy numbers; rail is not in our calculator.


## What BNSF publishes

On its [Demurrage and Storage page](https://www.bnsf.com/ship-with-bnsf/support-services/demurrage-storage-and-extended-services.html), BNSF says for intermodal:

- Storage free time and charges apply to equipment held at a BNSF facility from notification to out gate.
- Notification occurs when BNSF advises the notify party that the equipment is available.
- Storage charges begin accruing when free time expires.
- BNSF intermodal facilities are tiered into two groups with specific free times and daily storage charges.
- The rules are in the "Rules and Charges for Intermodal Storage" section of the Intermodal Rules and Policies Guide, listed under [Rules and publications](https://customer2.bnsf.com/s/rules-and-publications).
- Storage charges must be paid on the equipment before it leaves BNSF property, through BNSF's storage web tool by credit card or guarantee; billing issues can be filed through its storage or account status tool, which needs a customer portal login.

The page's demurrage book (BNSF 6004-C) is for rail cars, not containers, and the page says that if the site and the tariff conflict, the tariff prevails.

## Using it

Ask for the notification date and compare it with the invoice. The clock starts at notification, not at ocean discharge, so it differs from the [last free day](/en/demurrage/last-free-day/) of an ocean tariff. Rail is not in our calculator yet; see [rail storage vs ocean demurrage](/en/demurrage/rail/).



## Sources

- [BNSF: Demurrage and Storage](https://www.bnsf.com/ship-with-bnsf/support-services/demurrage-storage-and-extended-services.html)
- [BNSF: Rules and publications](https://customer2.bnsf.com/s/rules-and-publications)

Canonical: https://purserhouse.com/en/demurrage/rail/bnsf/