Who pays detention charges?

Asked by: Mrs. Myrtice Jerde PhD  |  Last update: April 17, 2026
Score: 5/5 (7 votes)

Detention charges are paid by the party responsible for the delay, usually the shipper (for loading delays) or the consignee/receiver (for unloading or failing to return equipment on time), depending on the contract terms and who holds the container or truck beyond the agreed "free time". In trucking, shippers often pay carriers for driver wait time, while in ocean freight, importers/exporters pay for holding containers past the free period, governed by terms like Incoterms.

Who is responsible for paying detention charges?

‍The party causing the delay typically pays detention charges, with shippers responsible for loading delays, receivers paying for unloading delays, and brokers covering costs depending on their specific contract arrangements and customer relationships.

How does detention pay work?

Detention pay is the money a driver earns if he or she must wait at a shipper or receiver for an extended amount of time. There is typically a grace period (most commonly 2 hours). Detention time is usually paid as an hourly fee.

Who should pay demurrage charges?

Who is responsible for demurrage charges? While the party responsible for demurrage charges can vary, it is usually whoever is responsible for the cargo (i.e. the importer or exporter). The terms and conditions of a shipping contract will specify who is responsible for the demurrage charges for a particular cargo.

How much is a detention fee?

Detention fees are charged when cargo, trailers, or drivers are held outside of a terminal longer than the agreed free time. These fees typically range from $30 to $50 per hour, and in some cases they rise as high as $150 per hour.

Demurrage and Detention charges + how to avoid them

39 related questions found

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:

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.

How much does a 20 feet container cost?

A new 20-ft dry container typically ranges around ₹1.60 lakh to ₹2.00 lakh. A used 20-ft dry container (cargo-worthy) generally goes for ₹0.80 lakh to ≈₹1.20 lakh. A new 40-ft dry container commonly costs around ₹2.00 lakh to ₹2.50 lakh. A used 40-ft dry container typically ranges ₹1.20 lakh to ₹1.80 lakh.

Who pays demurrage and detention?

Conversely, under Delivered at Place (DAP) terms, the seller (shipper) shoulders demurrage charges until the container arrives at the designated destination terminal. Similarly, the Free On Board (FOB) term places detention responsibility on the buyer after the container is loaded onto the ship.

What is the difference between demurrage and detention charges?

Demurrage charges are assessed on laden containers inside a port beyond the demurrage free days. In contrast, detention charges come into play after an importer has picked up and unpacked a shipment. Detention charges are assessed on containers outside a port.

How is detention calculated?

Detention fees are calculated based on the time your cargo is detained beyond the free time, with hourly rates being the most common method. Fee structures can vary but they all boil down to paying for the extra time your cargo occupies space.

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 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.

Who should pay freight charges?

The consignee or the recipient of the freight is responsible for paying all charges upon receipt. They'll also be required to pay any customs duties and taxes associated with the shipment. Here, the seller will be responsible for paying all charges.

Who is in charge of detention?

Persons awaiting trial on Federal charges are the primary responsibility of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), which does not operate any detention centers, but rather obtains the beds it needs from state and local jails and from the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), and ...

How much does a 40 feet container cost?

A 40-foot shipping container price varies significantly, typically from $1,800 to $7,900+ for purchase, depending on condition (used vs. one-trip/new) and location, with used containers (Wind & Water Tight) ranging from $1,750–$3,500 and new ones from $4,500–$7,900; rental is much cheaper, often $100–$250+ monthly. High Cube (HC) models cost slightly more, and final price depends on local supply, modifications (like double doors), and delivery fees.
 

How do I avoid paying demurrage charges?

In light of this, one of the best ways to prevent detention and demurrage fees is to digitize your shipping documents, including the bill of lading, manifest, invoice, and proof of delivery. In doing so, you can streamline processing and prevent paper issues from affecting your delivery process.

What is the final rule on detention and demurrage billing practices?

The Final Rule addresses demurrage and detention (D&D) billing practices and includes provisions governing: (1) specific minimum information on D&D invoices, (2) which parties may appropriately be billed for D&D charges, and (3) deadlines for issuing invoices, disputing charges and resolving disputes.

How much is demurrage per day?

How much is demurrage per day? Demurrage charges vary as they are determined by the carrier, the terminal, and the contract. It is usual for the charges to be anywhere between $75 and $300 per container per day; however, after a few days, the charges can become more significant.

Can I put a container on my land?

Yes, you can generally put a container on your property, but you must first check local zoning laws, building codes, and HOA rules, as regulations vary widely and often require permits, especially for permanent structures or living spaces. Storage use might have fewer restrictions than converting it into a home, but always verify with your local planning department to avoid fines and ensure safety.
 

How much does it cost to ship a 40ft container from China to USA?

Shipping a 40ft container from China to the USA generally costs $2,000 to $7,000+, varying significantly by destination (West Coast cheaper than East Coast), carrier, season, fuel surcharges, and current market demand, with some sources showing rates from $2,350 to over $6,000 for port-to-port, plus extra fees for customs and inland delivery. Expect higher prices during peak seasons like holidays.
 

What are the hidden fees for containers?

Demurrage fees: Charges incurred when containers remain in the port beyond the free storage period. Detention fees: Fees for holding onto a container after being moved out of the port but not returned within the agreed period. Customs clearance fees: Charges related to the customs processes required to release goods.

What is the process of detention?

Detention is the process whereby a state or private citizen holds a person by removing or restricting their freedom or liberty at that time. Detention can be due to (pending) criminal charges against the individual pursuant to a prosecution or to protect a person or property.

Why is detention bad?

Yet detention is not an effective discipline tool for some students, and in fact it might increase the recurrence of negative behavior. Detention and other punitive measures, like suspensions and expulsions, can contribute to other issues, such as recidivism among students, despite harsher or longer punishments.

How long can you be in detention?

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.