What is detention in freight shipping?

Detention is the time a driver is kept waiting at pickup or delivery beyond the free time allowed under the load agreement. If that waiting time exceeds the agreed threshold, the carrier may charge for the driver's additional time.

What usually causes detention?

Common causes include:

• Freight is not ready when the truck arrives.
• The dock is backed up.
• Loading or unloading takes longer than expected.
• Paperwork is incomplete.
• The warehouse cannot locate the freight.
• The receiver is not ready for the shipment.
• The driver is waiting for a door assignment.
• Product count, condition or paperwork has to be corrected before release.

When does detention start?

There is no single universal detention rule.

The amount of free time, when the clock starts and how detention is billed should be defined by the carrier agreement or rate confirmation. Some facilities also have their own check-in rules that affect how arrival and departure times are documented.

What does detention usually cost?

Detention charges vary by carrier, market, equipment type and agreement.

If you publish a dollar amount on your site, use a range only after you verify what you want to stand behind. A safer customer-facing statement is:

Detention is billed according to the carrier terms shown on the rate confirmation after the agreed free time has been exceeded.

What documentation matters?

Good records make detention easier to understand and resolve.

Useful documentation includes:

• Driver arrival time
• Facility check-in time
• Dock assignment time
• Loading or unloading start time
• Release time
• Signed bills or receiving paperwork
• Emails or messages about delays
• Appointment confirmation

How can you reduce detention?

At delivery, make sure the receiver knows the truck is coming and understands any appointment window.

If a warehouse routinely takes longer to load or unload, tell the broker before the load is booked. That gives the carrier a chance to price and schedule the shipment correctly.

Detention vs layover

Detention usually refers to waiting time during the same pickup or delivery event.

Layover generally applies when the delay is large enough to hold the driver or equipment until a later day or new operating period.

The exact distinction depends on the carrier agreement.

Detention on appointment loads

Appointment freight needs especially accurate scheduling.

If the driver arrives on time but the facility cannot receive the shipment, detention may still become an issue depending on the agreed terms.

See appointment deliveries for the information to confirm before booking.

What should you send your broker?

Send:

• Facility hours
• Appointment number if required
• Pickup or delivery contact
• Dock instructions
• Whether the freight is ready
• Any known loading or unloading delay
• Any special handling requirements