Detention

Detention is the charge applied when a shipper keeps the carrier's container outside the terminal beyond the allowed free time — for example while a consignee unpacks an import container at their warehouse before returning the empty box.

Detention is billed per container per day, on top of any demurrage incurred inside the terminal. Negotiating adequate free time in the freight contract, and tightening the empty-return process, are the standard levers to control these costs.