What is Detention?
Detention is a charge that carriers apply when their driver and truck are held at a pickup or delivery location longer than the agreed-upon free time. It compensates the carrier for lost productivity and driver hours.
Detention vs Demurrage
- Detention: Truck waiting at shipper/receiver facility
- Demurrage: Container sitting at port/terminal
How Detention Works
- Truck arrives at facility and checks in
- Free time begins (typically 1-2 hours)
- If loading/unloading exceeds free time, detention accrues
- Charged hourly until truck departs
Typical Detention Rates
- Free time: 1-2 hours (varies by carrier)
- Detention rate: $50-$100+ per hour
- Some carriers have daily maximums
- Rates vary by market conditions
Impact of Excessive Detention
- Increased shipping costs
- Driver hours-of-service impacts
- Carrier relationship damage
- Reduced carrier willingness to serve location
- Higher future rates
Reducing Detention
- Schedule accurate appointment times
- Stage loads before truck arrival
- Staff appropriately for loading/unloading
- Minimize paperwork delays
- Track facility performance metrics