Detention

Detention is a charge applied by the shipping line when a container is held by the consignee outside the port or terminal beyond the allotted free time. While demurrage applies to containers sitting at the port, detention applies once the container has been picked up but not yet returned empty. Like demurrage, detention charges accrue daily and can become substantial.

In Freight Forwarding

Detention commonly occurs when the consignee takes longer than expected to unload (devan) the container. The free time for detention is typically 4 to 7 days from the date of container pickup. Causes include warehouse capacity issues, labor shortages, or the consignee holding the container as temporary storage. Forwarders must communicate return deadlines clearly and monitor container movements after delivery.

How CargoGen Handles It

CargoGen tracks the container lifecycle through to empty returned, with gate-out and return timestamps per container. Detention is a charge category on the shipment's financials, so when it is incurred it lands on the right job and shows in the margin.