Detention
The charge for keeping a container outside the port — on the road or at the consignee’s warehouse — beyond the free period.
Definition
Detention is the charge for keeping a container beyond the permitted period outside the port: when the container has been taken out but not returned empty to the carrier on time.
Unlike demurrage (idle time in port), detention accrues “on the receiver’s side”. It is reduced by fast unloading and prompt return of the container.
How it works in practice
Detention runs from the moment the container leaves the port until it is returned empty to the line’s depot. On Tranzit3 door-to-door deliveries this time is taken up by unloading at the customer’s site and the return run: if the consignee’s warehouse is not ready to receive the truck on arrival day, every day of waiting is charged.
We agree the unloading window in advance, and for remote cities we calculate whether the container turnaround fits into the free period or whether it is cheaper to transfer the goods to a truck at the port.
Detention: frequently asked questions
How does detention differ from demurrage?
Demurrage is idle time of the container in port; detention is outside the port — on the road, at unloading at the customer’s premises, waiting to be returned to the depot. The free periods are counted separately and are sometimes combined into a single “combined free time”.
How can container usage time be reduced?
Prepare the site and staff for unloading in advance, unload on the day of arrival and return the container to the nearest depot of the line. For large consignees we agree extended free time with the line at booking.
Who pays detention — the carrier or the customer?
Whoever held up the container. If the truck waited because the consignee’s warehouse was not ready, the line’s invoice is recharged to the customer; if because the truck broke down, the cost is the carrier’s.
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