In plain English
Carriers include a short window of free loading or unloading time, often around two hours on a full truckload. After that, the carrier bills an hourly fee for the wait, because the truck is not earning while it sits.
Detention is different from demurrage, which applies to containers and equipment held at ports or rail yards beyond a free period.
Why it matters when you ship
Waiting is the most avoidable freight cost. Book dock appointments, have the freight ready and the paperwork complete, and tell the carrier early if a dock is running late.
For events like trade shows, where unloading depends on a dock appointment, a driver who misses a slot can wait for hours. See our trade show shipping guide.
Example
A driver arrives at a warehouse for a 9:00 appointment but is not unloaded until 1:00. After two free hours, the carrier bills two hours of detention to the party responsible.
Related terms
Learn more
Detention: common questions
How is detention calculated?
Usually as an hourly rate after a free period, such as two hours. The rate and free time should be in your rate confirmation or carrier agreement.
What is the difference between detention and demurrage?
Detention is truck and driver wait time at a facility. Demurrage is a fee for containers or equipment kept beyond the free time at a port or rail yard.
Cite this page
Cite as: Transportli, “Detention in Trucking: Meaning and Charges”, https://transportli.com/glossary/detention/, updated November 11, 2026.
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