Storage in Transit

Storage in transit – sometimes abbreviated SIT – is a charge that applies when a carrier holds a shipment at their terminal, warehouse, or break-bulk facility between pickup and final delivery. The freight isn't moving, but it's occupying space and requiring handling and security at the carrier's location. SIT is triggered when the consignee isn't ready to receive, the shipper requests a delivery delay, or the shipment can't be delivered due to appointment issues, refused freight, or address problems. Carriers typically allow a brief free-time window – one to three days – before daily storage charges begin, usually $25 to $100 per day depending on shipment size and carrier tariff.

Storage in transit is most common in LTL, where shipments pass through carrier terminals and can be held if the delivery side isn't coordinated. For temperature-controlled freight, SIT adds particular risk – the shipment may need to remain in a climate-controlled environment, and not all carrier terminals can provide that. Product sitting in a non-temperature-controlled terminal creates spoilage risk on top of the storage charge, making timely coordination even more critical for cold chain shippers.

The most frequent root cause of SIT charges is poor delivery coordination – the shipment arrives at the carrier's local terminal before the receiver has an appointment available, or the consignee's dock is full for days. Shippers who proactively track transit and coordinate delivery appointments in advance can avoid most SIT situations. When a delay is unavoidable, communicating early with the carrier about expected hold duration helps manage the cost and ensures the freight is stored appropriately.