.png)
Detention is a charge applied by a transportation company or 3PL provider when a vehicle or container is held for an extended period beyond the agreed time frame for loading or unloading, causing delays in the transportation process.
Detention refers to the cost incurred when goods or equipment are delayed at a shipping or receiving point. This can be due to slow loading or unloading, issues at customs, or waiting for an available dock space. It typically includes fees for both the truck and the driver during the extra time they are kept waiting.
Detention works by charging fees for the time that transportation equipment or personnel is held beyond the expected time. This benefits your business by incentivizing efficient unloading and loading practices, reducing delays, and improving overall transportation productivity. It ensures that you don’t bear the full cost of delays, and it helps your logistics operations run more smoothly.
Buske Logistics is a Top 40 3PL with over 35 warehouses across North America, specializing in warehousing, transportation, and value-added services. We provide tailored logistics solutions serving major Fortune 500 companies.
Detention is important because it helps maintain efficiency in logistics and transportation operations. By applying detention charges, companies can encourage prompt unloading and loading, which helps ensure that transport schedules are adhered to and operations run smoothly.
For example, when a driver has to wait for an extended period at a warehouse before unloading goods, the transportation company may charge a detention fee to compensate for the lost time. This helps protect the service provider’s schedule and reduces unnecessary costs.
