Detention

Detention charges begin when you (or your drayage carrier) pick up a container from the port terminal but do not return the empty container to the carrier's designated container depot within the allowed "free time." Carriers typically allow 4-7 free days for container use from the time of pickup. After that, detention charges accrue daily, similar in magnitude to demurrage ($50-$300+ per day depending on the carrier and container type).

Detention commonly occurs when: your warehouse cannot unload the container quickly enough (insufficient dock space, labor shortages, or the goods need inspection before unloading), the container is used for temporary storage at your warehouse beyond the free days, the empty container return depot is far from your warehouse or has limited operating hours, or holidays and weekends reduce the effective number of working days within the free time window.

To avoid detention charges, plan your container unloading schedule before the container arrives. Ensure your warehouse has dock space and labor available to unload the container promptly (a standard 40-foot container takes 2-4 hours to unload manually, or under an hour with a forklift and experienced crew). Identify the nearest empty container return location and its operating hours. If you anticipate needing the container for longer than free time, negotiate extended free days with the carrier through your freight forwarder before the shipment.