How is detention calculated?

Asked by: Tracy Schroeder  |  Last update: May 13, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (72 votes)

Detention calculation depends on the context, but generally involves dividing the total volume by the flow rate (Volume/Flow Rate) for water treatment, resulting in time (e.g., minutes/hours). In shipping/logistics, detention charges are calculated by counting days/hours beyond a free period, multiplying by a set daily/hourly rate, often with tiered increases (e.g., 5 days free, then $50/day, rising to $100/day).

How to calculate detention rate?

Subtract the free days granted by the shipping company. Multiply the remaining days by the daily detention fee, known as the “per diem” rate. For example, if a container was held for 10 days, with 5 free days, and the per diem rate is INR 100, the detention charges would be INR 500.

How to calculate detention?

The detention time formula is:

  1. 
  2. Detention Time (min) = Bed Volume of water in system (in gallons) / Flow rate (gallons per minute)
  3. For example, if the flow rate is 2 gallons per minute and the treatment tank or basin volume is 100 gallons, the detention time would be 50 minutes.

How is detention pay calculated?

‍Key detention pay mechanics:

Grace period typically starts upon arrival at facility. Payment calculation: hourly rate × time waited beyond grace period. Billing increments vary (15-minute, 30-minute, or hourly)

What is the formula for calculating detention time?

The simplest way to calculate detention time is to divide the volume of the container by the flow rate into the container. The theoretical detention time of a container is the same as the amount of time it would take to fill the container if it were empty.

Episode 13 | Freetime, Detention and Demurrage Explained

17 related questions found

How does detention time work?

Detention time refers to the period a truck and its driver spend waiting at a shipper's or receiver's facility beyond the agreed-upon time for loading or unloading. This delay can have significant financial and operational implications for all parties involved – shippers, receivers, and drivers.

Is 40 cents a mile good?

Company drivers are paid on a cents per mile basis. Average truck driver pay per mile is between 28 and 40 cents per mile. Most drivers complete between 2,000 and 3,000 miles per week. That translates into average weekly pay ranging from $560 to $1,200.

What is the 7 3 rule in trucking?

The 7/3 rule in trucking, part of the split sleeper berth provision, allows commercial drivers to split their mandatory 10-hour off-duty break into two parts: a 7-hour continuous rest in the sleeper berth and a 3-hour break that can be off-duty or in the sleeper berth, taken in either order. This flexibility helps manage the 14-hour duty clock, pausing it during both rest periods, giving drivers more control over schedules, especially for longer hauls or unexpected delays like detention. 

Does Walmart offer $110,000 salary to new drivers?

Yes, Walmart has offered first-year truck drivers the potential to earn up to $110,000, and more recently, starting pay has been reported to reach around $115,000 annually, with experienced drivers earning even more, as part of efforts to attract and retain drivers through competitive pay and training programs. 

What is the maximum detention time?

How long you can be detained depends on the country and situation, but generally, police must release you or charge you within 24 to 48 hours (about 2 days) without a judge approving further detention for a probable cause hearing, though serious crimes or terrorism suspects can face longer periods, sometimes up to 14 or even 28 days, especially in the UK, with indefinite detention a possibility for terrorism in some places, violating human rights. For a brief investigative stop (Terry stop), detention must be short and reasonable, ending once the investigation is complete or probable cause for arrest is found. 

How does detention work?

Detention is one of the most common punishments in United States. Usually this is where a student reports to a certain area or room for a certain period afterschool to work on homework and/or complete tasks assigned to the students.

What is a detention rate?

The detention rate is a fee that carriers charge for their time spent waiting at loading docks, and pricing can range from $25 to $100 per hour. While this fee does not fully make up for the cost of the driver's stationary truck and lost time, it helps to soften the blow.

What does 90% retention mean?

A business with a 90% retention rate would be considered very healthy — this indicates high customer loyalty and widespread satisfaction. A business with a 50% retention rate, on the other hand, has some work to do.

What is the formula for calculating den?

The formula for density is p = m v . You can determine the density of an object or substance using the mathematical equation for density, where m refers to mass in kilograms and v refers to volume in meters cubed.

How to avoid detention charges?

How Shippers can reduce Detention and Demurrage

  1. Advance Planning and Awareness: ...
  2. Negotiate Free Time and Waivers: ...
  3. End-to-End Visibility: ...
  4. Implement Automation: ...
  5. Strategic Documentation Preparation: ...
  6. Plan for Customs: ...
  7. Explore Alternative Storage Options: ...
  8. Maintain Effective Communication:

What is the most common dot violation?

The most common DOT violations are Hours of Service (HOS) issues, like driving too long or missing breaks, followed closely by Vehicle Maintenance problems (especially brakes, lights, tires) and Driver Qualification errors (expired CDLs, missing medical cards). Improper cargo securement, unsafe driving (speeding), and issues with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are also frequent infractions, all stemming from failures to follow FMCSA regulations.
 

What is Trump's new law for CDL drivers?

In April, President Trump issued an Executive Order mandating enforcement of English language proficiency requirements for all commercial drivers. Language proficiency enforcement guidelines were made more aggressive in May, followed by an audit of state commercial licensing in June.

Can Dot search your sleeper?

In sum, even if you have been living extensively in it, your sleeper berth is not protected from warrantless searches under the Fourth Amendment. This can come as a surprise, which is why it is part of our video series seeking to dispel common myths people in the transportation industry have about the law.

Which trucking company pays the most?

Some of the highest-paying trucking companies include large private fleets like Walmart, UPS, and Sysco, along with specialized carriers like Old Dominion Freight Line, Mercer Transportation, and technology-focused companies such as GP Transco, known for strong driver pay, benefits, and career growth, with owner-operators and specialized roles (hazmat, heavy haul) often reaching the highest earnings.
 

What's a good pay per mile for truckers?

A good cents per mile (CPM) in trucking varies, but generally, $0.70+ CPM is considered good for company drivers, covering expenses and profit, with higher rates for specialized loads, while owner-operators need significantly more (e.g., $1.25-$2.50+) to cover all costs like fuel, insurance, and maintenance, making percentage pay or hourly often more favorable. Rates depend heavily on experience, location, freight type (reefer, flatbed), and if it's a solo or team run. 

Is $0.70 per mile good?

Yes, $0.70 (70 cents) per mile is generally considered a good and fair rate, especially since it matches the 2025 IRS standard mileage rate for business use, but its true value depends on your specific vehicle costs (gas, insurance, maintenance) and whether you're an employee or contractor. For W-2 employees, it covers typical expenses, while for 1099 contractors or truckers, it's a solid baseline that can provide good income if paired with consistent work and efficient driving. 

How is RRT calculated?

RRT~ is calculated as RT of Peak of interest/RT of RT Reference peak (Figure 4).

What two factors determine detention time?

Calculating Detention Time

However, it is important to account for factors such as flow variability and tank design, which can influence actual detention times. For example, a tank with a volume of 100 gallons and a flow rate of 2 gallons per minute has a detention time of 50 minutes.