Detention

What is detention?

Detention, also known as per diem, is a fee charged for the extra days a container is kept outside the port or terminal beyond the allotted free time. For a full explanation, see the Per Diem Charge entry.

How does detention work?

Ocean carriers give you a set number of free days to return an empty container after you pick it up. When the free time runs out, the carrier charges a daily fee until the container returns to the designated depot. Free time and daily rates vary by carrier, port, and container size, and the daily rate often rises the longer you hold the container.

How do you avoid detention charges?

Schedule pickup and unloading before the container leaves the terminal, give the trucker clear delivery instructions, and return empties promptly. Detention differs from demurrage, which is the fee for leaving a container inside the port terminal past its free time. A single container can incur both on one trip.

Back to the full glossary.