Logistics terms · Logistics terms

What does Detention charges mean in logistics?

Short answer

The amount a shipper pays the carrier for each day or hour a vehicle is held beyond the agreed free time.

Usually expressed per day per vehicle after a free period stated in the contract. Disputes are common, so contracts should define the start and end events, the evidence accepted and the billing cycle. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. How we count

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The numbers behind this answer

Also called
halting charges
Category
Contracts & pricing
Related terms
Detention, Demurrage, Debit note, SLA (service level agreement)

Sources

  1. SSL logistics glossary

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

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