Built for the post-2024 FMC rule

Stop paying demurrage & detention fees you don't owe.

We audit your ocean-carrier D&D invoices against the FMC rule, flag every charge that's disputable, and draft the dispute letter. You review it and send — we never file anything for you.

Free pilot · No software to install · You stay in control of every dispute

$75–300
typical D&D charge per container, per day
13
data elements the FMC rule requires on every invoice
30 days
late issuance can eliminate the obligation to pay

How it works

Three steps. The hard part — checking each invoice against the regulation — is automatic.

1

Send us the invoice

Forward a D&D invoice — PDF, scan, or a phone photo. Messy real-world formats are fine.

2

We audit it against the rule

Every invoice is checked against the FMC's billing requirements (46 CFR Part 541) plus arithmetic and the incentive principle. You get a clear report: which charges are disputable, and exactly why.

3

You get a ready-to-send letter

We draft the dispute letter citing the specific defect and regulation. You review it, add your details, and send it to the carrier. Nothing is sent automatically.

What we catch

Two layers of dispute grounds — from defects provable on the invoice itself to fees that shouldn't have accrued at all.

Provable from the invoice strongest grounds

  • Missing required data elements (B/L, container, free-time dates, rate basis, dispute contact…)
  • Invoice issued more than 30 days after the charge was last incurred
  • Math errors — days × rate ≠ the amount billed
  • Charges that started during free time
  • Container numbers that fail their ISO 6346 check digit

Fees that shouldn't have accrued with your records

  • Charges during terminal or port closures
  • Days when no return/pickup appointment was available
  • Time the container couldn't be retrieved (customs hold, not yet available)
  • Weekends/holidays excluded by the governing tariff
  • A daily rate higher than the tariff allows

Who it's for

If you handle ocean import containers, you're leaving money on the table.

Best fit

Freight forwarders & customs brokers

You already field D&D disputes for your clients. We make every invoice get checked — automatically — and give you the letters to send. One account covers all your importers' containers.

Also a fit

Perishable-goods importers

Produce, seafood, pharma — where containers pile up D&D fast and a single delayed pickup can mean thousands in charges. We help you contest the ones that aren't your fault.

Simple monthly pricing

Flat fee by volume. No percentage of your savings, no per-dispute charges. Start with a free pilot.

Starter

$149/mo
up to 50 invoices / month
Start free
Most popular

Growth

$399/mo
up to 250 invoices / month
Start free

Pro

$899/mo
up to 1,000 invoices / month
Start free

Get a free audit of last month's invoices

Send us a batch of recent D&D invoices. We'll show you exactly what's disputable — at no cost, no commitment. If there's nothing there, you've lost nothing.

We'll reply to arrange sending the invoices securely. We don't share your data.

Important: D&D Defense provides software-based analysis and drafts documents for your review. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, and it does not file disputes or represent you before any carrier or agency. You review every draft and decide what to send. Regulatory citations reference 46 CFR Part 541 and related FMC rules; verify all grounds before relying on them.