Detention

Detention is the fee charged by a carrier when its equipment (the container, plus chassis where applicable) is held by the shipper or consignee beyond agreed free time. It applies to the equipment, not the cargo.

Detention starts when a container leaves the port and the consignee holds it longer than the carrier's free-equipment window. Free time is typically two to five days after delivery to the consignee's facility.

The fee compensates the carrier for the lost opportunity to use the container on another shipment. Empty container shortages have made detention fees more aggressive in recent years.

Returning the empty container to a designated empty yard ends the clock. Visibility into 'where is the empty?' is the operational data point that prevents detention from running up.

Related terms

DemurrageDemurrage is the fee charged by a carrier or port terminal when cargo (typically a container) stays at a port or terminal beyond the agreed free time. It applies to the cargo, not the equipment.

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