How to Record Empty Container Depot Storage Revenue Charged to Shipping Lines
Recognizing storage income from shipping lines that park empty containers in the logistics provider's yard between voyages.
| Account Name | Type | Debit ($) | Credit ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounts Receivable | Asset (+) | 300.00 | - |
| Depot Storage Revenue | Revenue (+) | - | 300.00 |
💡 Accountant's Note
Container yards make money not only on full goods but on the 'real estate' used by empty steel boxes waiting for their next voyage.
Practitioner & Systems Framework
💻 ERP Architecture
Container depots (empty container yards) earn revenue from shipping lines for storing empty containers between voyages. Revenue is recognized over time as storage is provided — daily or monthly rate per container. Track each container by shipping line, container number, arrival date, departure date, and container type (20ft, 40ft, HC, reefer). Reefer containers attract a higher storage rate and require electric power supply (plugin points) — price accordingly. Generate monthly storage invoices per shipping line from the depot management system. Physical container counts must reconcile to the inventory records.
⚠️ Audit Flags
Auditors reconcile depot storage revenue to the container in/out log and the physical container count in the yard. Over-billing for containers that have been gate-out but not yet processed in the system is a revenue cut-off error. The yard occupancy report (containers × days × rate) should match the total invoiced storage revenue. Security of empty containers is important — damaged or missing containers create liability to the shipping line.
📄 Required Documentation
Container gate-in record (container number, arrival date, condition), container gate-out record, storage calculation (days × rate per container type), shipping line monthly invoice, container count at period-end vs. billing system, power consumption for reefer plugins, damaged/missing container report, and depot storage revenue reconciliation.
Automate this entry with the JEH Accounting Suite
Stop doing manual entry. Our VBA-powered ERP automatically generates your ledgers, Trial Balance, and Financial Statements.
No Subscriptions. Own your data.
Expert Analysis by Qusai Ahmad
General Accountant Supervisor & IFRS Specialist
Specialized in SAP GUI automation and Middle Eastern tax compliance. Building digital tools for the next generation of finance leaders.