Why LFD drives dispatch
The warehouse appointment, terminal availability, chassis availability and carrier schedule all need to be planned around LFD. If those dates do not match, a pre-pull or storage plan may be needed.
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What is last free day
Last free day, often shortened to LFD, is the final day a container can usually remain at the terminal before storage or demurrage risk begins. It is one of the most important dates in import drayage planning.
What can go wrong
A container may be available late, appointments may be full, chassis may be tight or documents may not clear in time. Any one of these can turn a normal delivery into an urgent move.
How ABFBA uses LFD
ABFBA uses LFD as an operating trigger when reviewing whether a shipment needs direct delivery, pre-pull, yard staging, transload or a revised appointment plan.
FAQ
Common questions
Is last free day the same as delivery appointment?
No. LFD belongs to terminal storage timing. The warehouse appointment is the receiver's delivery window. They often need to be managed together.
What happens after LFD?
The shipment may begin to accrue terminal storage or demurrage depending on the terminal, carrier and shipment status.
Can ABFBA quote without LFD?
Yes, but the quote is less precise. LFD helps decide whether the move is standard, urgent or needs pre-pull and storage.
Next step
Send the container, LFD, destination and appointment details to ABFBA.
ABFBA reviews the real operating conditions and confirms whether direct delivery, pre-pull, yard storage or transload is the better plan.