Download the expert-designed Import Cost Calculator (by Wael Abed).
Importing goods into the United States involves a complex combination of costs—invoice value, freight, duties, port charges, demurrage, storage, inland transport, and administrative expenses. Many businesses struggle to accurately calculate the true landed cost, which affects pricing, profit margins, and operational planning.
To solve this problem, Excel Clarity created a Free Import Cost Calculator Excel Model: designed specifically for U.S. import operations. It automates all key calculations so users can instantly estimate demurrage, storage, customs duties, and total landed cost with accuracy.
Download the free U.S. import cost & demurrage Excel model here.
This model is ideal for:
- Import companies
- Logistics and supply chain teams
- Freight forwarders
- SMEs needing cost control
- Financial departments
- Students learning international trade
The file includes three advanced linked tables that work together like a mini import management system:
- Import Details Table – invoice, quantities, currency, exchange rate
- Demurrage & Storage Table – delays, container type, tariffs, port charges
- Rate Reference Table – rules for demurrage, storage, and company-specific fees
1. Import Details Table – Your Core Import Sheet
This first table is where the user enters all basic import data. The model will use it to automatically compute the rest of the costs.
What you enter in this table:
- Import file reference
- Supplier information
- Country of origin
- Invoice date and number
- Type of raw material
- Quantity & unit
- Currency (USD, EUR, etc.)
- Unit price
- Total invoice amount
- Exchange rate (declared or forecast)
- Insurance cost
- VAT
- Number of containers
All formulas inside the model convert this input into a detailed analysis for demurrage, duties, and landed cost.
Table Example – Import Details (Improved & Clean)
| Import File | Supplier | Country | Qty | Unit Price | Currency | Invoice Amount | Exchange Rate | USD Value | Containers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-2025/01 | Nike | China | 2,000 | 75 | USD | 150,000 | 0.720 | 108,000 | 2 |
| IMP-2025/01 | Insurance Co. | – | – | – | – | 415 | – | 415 | – |
This table is fully automated with formulas to push values to the demurrage calculator.
2. Demurrage & Storage Calculator – Landed Cost Analysis
Demurrage is one of the biggest financial risks in U.S. imports. When containers stay too long in port, shipping lines apply daily penalties. The Excel model estimates these costs automatically.
The model calculates:
- Number of late days
- Demurrage cost depending on container size (20 ft, 40 ft, 45 ft)
- Storage (yard) fees
- Port operations
- Customs clearance delays
- Land transport
- Forwarding and documentation fees
- Insurance allocation
- Total landed cost (with and without demurrage)
Smart formulas calculate:
- Unit cost per ton
- Demurrage %
- Coefficient per shipment
- Total cost excluding tax
- Total cost including demurrage
- Analytical vs accounting cost
Table Example – Demurrage & Storage Calculation
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Containers | 15 |
| Container Type | 20 ft |
| Delay Days | 34 |
| Demurrage Fees | $10,724 |
| Storage Fees | $3,300 |
| Freight | $12,000 |
| Port Charges | $1,519 |
| Customs Duty | (optional) |
| Land Transport | $9,750 |
| Forwarding | $924 |
| Insurance | $415 |
| Cost Excl. Demurrage | $485,379 |
| Cost Incl. Demurrage | $488,679 |
| Demurrage % | 2.9% |
These numbers update automatically when you modify the import details.
3. Tariff Reference Table – Demurrage & Storage Rates
This table contains the daily demurrage and storage tariff rules for different companies:
Included in the file:
- Company 1 demurrage rates
- Company 2 demurrage rates
- Yard storage rules (1–5 days, 6–10, 11–15, +45)
- Disembarkation fees
- Port parking fees
- Special rules for >16 days
- Rates for 20 ft, 40 ft, and 45 ft containers
This table makes the entire model dynamic and customizable.
Why This Excel Model Is Better Than Any Online Calculator
100% free and fully editable
You control all rates and formulas
Works offline
No login required
Linked tables = no errors
Real-world U.S. import tariffs
Accurate cost allocation
Ideal for professionals and students
Most online calculators only estimate 1 single cost, while this model calculates:
- Demurrage
- Storage
- Duties
- Freight
- Inland transport
- Port charges
- Insurance allocation
- Landed cost per ton
How to Use the Excel File (Step-by-Step)
- Download the Excel model
- Fill in your import invoice details
- Enter container type and late days
- Adjust the tariff table if needed
- Review the demurrage and storage results
- Export your cost summary
- Use it for reporting or budgeting
Even beginners can use it easily.
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Download the free Excel model for U.S. import cost, demurrage & storage calculation now.
FAQ
1. What is demurrage in U.S. imports?
Demurrage is a penalty charged by shipping lines when containers remain in port beyond the free allowed days.
2. Can I customize the Excel model?
Yes. All tables (rates, duties, port fees) are fully editable.
3. Does the model calculate customs duties?
Yes, you can enter your duty rates and the model integrates them automatically.
4. Is the Excel file truly free?
Yes. It’s 100% free on Excel Clarity.
5. Does it work for all container types?
Yes — 20 ft, 40 ft, 45 ft.