Detention — When It Arises in Import FCL and Return Deadline Management
Interlink編集部Situations Where Detention Occurs
Detention occurs when an empty container cannot be returned within the specified period set by the shipping line or NVOCC after being gate-out from the CY in import FCL cargo operations.
Even after a container is gate-out from the CY, import FCL operations are not complete. The cargo must be devanned at the delivery destination, and the empty container returned to the designated return location within the deadline for container operations to be considered complete.
If work or arrangements stop at any point in this sequence and the empty container return deadline is exceeded, Detention charges could arise.
Detention should not be viewed merely as a consequence of "late return." It is necessary to check the entire import FCL operational flow, including the delivery location, devanning process, inspection, return reservation, return depot, changes to the return location, drayage arrangements, holidays and consecutive holidays, container condition, and any special container conditions.
Scope Covered in This Article
This article organizes the actual situations in which Detention occurs according to the import FCL operational flow. The definitions of Detention, its difference from Demurrage, and the basic concepts of cost liability are explained in a separate article titled “Detention.” The materials to check when receiving actual Detention claims, timeline organization, and cost allocation are covered in another article titled “Matters to Confirm When Receiving a Detention Claim.”
| Item | Contents Covered in This Article | Detailed Topics Briefly Outlined in This Article |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Situations Where Detention Occurs | Organizes situations when containers cannot be returned by the empty container return deadline after CY gate-out. | Definition of Detention, rate structures, claim systems, and basic cost liability. |
| Import FCL Operational Flow | Organizes the flow from CY gate-out, delivery, devanning, return reservation, through to empty container return. | Detailed arrangements for overall import FCL, D/O, customs clearance, and CY gate-out procedures. |
| Causes on the Delivery Destination / Warehouse Side | Organizes delays caused by acceptance refusal, insufficient delivery reservation, lack of workers, and insufficient forklifts. | Warehouse work contracts, delivery terms, domestic delivery costs, and standby charges in detail. |
| Delays Due to Devanning and Inspection | Organizes situations where devanning work, inspection, quantity confirmation, and damage inspection are prolonged. | Cargo incident response, survey, insurance claim, and evidence preservation when cargo is damaged. |
| Issues with Return Reservation and Return Depots | Organizes delays caused by insufficient reservation slots, congestion at return depots, reception restrictions, and changes of return destinations. | Reservation systems at each return depot and individual operations during port congestion. |
| Issues in Drayage Arrangements | Organizes delays caused by insufficient arrangements for return trips, vehicles, chassis, and drivers. | Drayage fees, standby charges, redelivery costs, and details of special vehicle arrangements. |
| Impact of Holidays, Consecutive Holidays, and Severe Weather | Organizes delays in returns on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, long vacations, and after typhoons or severe weather. | Business-day calculation by shipping line or NVOCC, calendar-day calculation, and extension negotiations. |
| Container Condition and Special Containers | Organizes situations where containers cannot be returned due to contamination, odor, residual cargo, dangerous goods, reefers, or special containers. | Cleaning and repair costs, return conditions for dangerous goods, and details of reefer equipment troubles. |
| Scope of Freight Forwarder Involvement | Differentiates checks freight forwarders can assist with from cost liability decisions that should not be concluded definitively. | Disputes after claims, reduction negotiations, contract liability, and individual assessments of damage compensation. |
Why Detention Becomes an Issue in Import FCL
In import FCL, after a full container is gate-out from the CY, deconsolidation (devanning) is performed at the delivery destination or designated warehouse, and then the empty container is returned to a depot or similar facility.
From the cargo owner’s perspective, the import arrangement may seem complete once the cargo has arrived at the delivery destination. However, in actual logistics practice, container usage is not considered complete until the empty container has been returned.
Therefore, Detention is easier to understand when viewed as a cost related to “being unable to return the container after it has left the port” in import FCL situations.
Positioning of Demurrage, Detention, and Storage
Costs often confused with Detention include Demurrage and Storage. Demurrage mainly relates to the period when a loaded container remains at the CY or terminal without being picked up. On the other hand, Detention becomes an issue when the container has left the CY but the empty container return or on-site unpacking at the delivery location is delayed.
| Item | Demurrage | Detention | Storage | Key Points for Practical Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Location of Occurrence | Inside the CY or terminal. | At delivery destination, warehouse, or storage location before container return after CY gate-out. | Terminal, warehouse, bonded area, or storage facility. | Confirm where the delay cost is incurred. |
| Subject | Loaded containers. | Empty containers. | Cargo, containers, or storage space. | Distinguish whether it involves loaded cargo, empty containers, or storage subject. |
| Starting Point | After vessel discharge, following the end of free storage period, etc. | Often based on CY gate-out date or container pickup date. | Storage start date, cargo receipt date, or after free storage period ends. | Confirm from which date the charges start to accrue. |
| Ending Point | Date the loaded container leaves the CY. | Date when empty container is returned to the designated location. | Date cargo or container is removed from the storage location. | Confirm on which date the charges stop. |
| Main Causes | Customs clearance delays, delay in D/O issuance, insufficient gate-out reservations, inability to gate out from CY. | Delivery site inability to accept, unpacking delays, insufficient return reservations, shortage of drayage return trucks. | Continued cargo storage, delayed release, warehouse circumstances, storage location conditions. | Break down causes chronologically. |
| Documents for Verification | Vessel arrival date, discharge date, free time period, gate-out date. | CY gate-out date, unpacking date, return reservation, return deadline, empty container return date, EIR. | Cargo receipt date, start storage date, release date, storage detail sheets. | Verify not only the invoice title but also the applicable period. |
Common Misunderstandings
In situations where Detention arises, there tends to be a misconception that arrangements are complete once the cargo has arrived, or that the return booking after devanning is not important.
| Misunderstanding | Actual Consideration | Potential Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Detention is not an issue as long as the container can be moved out from the CY | Detention becomes an issue when the return of empty containers is delayed after gate-out from the CY. | Post-delivery return management may be overlooked, causing the empty container return deadline to be exceeded. |
| The Import FCL arrangement is complete once the cargo arrives at the consignee | Container handling is not complete until the empty container is returned to the designated depot. | Delay in devanning and empty container return arrangements after delivery may result in Detention charges. |
| Detention stops once devanning is finished | Usually, the cost risk remains until the empty container is fully returned. | Failure to secure a return booking after devanning may cause the deadline to be missed. |
| No fees will arise if the consignee is just busy | If the consignee’s circumstances delay empty container return, Detention charges may occur. | The cargo owner may not anticipate bearing these costs, leading to disputes upon invoicing. |
| Return bookings can be arranged after devanning is completed | If return booking slots are limited, waiting until after devanning may be too late. | Even if the container is empty, it may be impossible to return it timely, resulting in extra days of Detention. |
| Being busy at the return depot automatically exempts fees | Exemptions or reductions require documented evidence such as records of unsuccessful booking attempts, depot notices, and correspondence with the shipping line or NVOCC. | Without proper documentation, explaining the inability to return the container may be impossible. |
| Weekend and public holidays are automatically excluded from free time calculations | Whether calendar days or business days are used depends on the shipping line, NVOCC, and contract terms. | Mistakenly assuming holidays are excluded may lead to exceeding the return deadline. |
| Special containers can be returned just like regular containers | Return conditions for reefers, dangerous goods, flat racks, open tops, and similar containers may differ. | The container may be refused at the return depot, resulting in Detention charges. |
Typical Process Where Detention Occurs
The typical situation where detention arises is when an import FCL laden container is gate-out from the CY but the empty container cannot be returned within the allowed free time.
After CY gate-out, if delivery, unpacking, return booking, arranging vehicles for return, and empty container return are not completed within a certain time frame, the container will remain occupied by the consignee or during inland transportation processes.
The causes are not limited to one factor. Multiple contributing factors such as delivery destination refusal, delays in unpacking, prolonged inspection, shortage of return booking slots, congestion at return depots, changes in return locations, shortage of drayage vehicles, or holidays and consecutive days off may overlap and cause detention.
| Process | Normal Flow | Issues Leading to Detention | Practical Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY Gate-out | Laden container is gate-out from the CY. | The management of the return deadline starts after gate-out. | Confirm the CY gate-out date and free time period. |
| Delivery | Container is transported to the delivery location or designated warehouse. | If the delivery location cannot accept the container, unpacking will be delayed. | Confirm delivery booking and acceptance hours in advance. |
| Unpacking | Cargo is removed from the container. | Delays in this operation or extended inspection will postpone the container becoming empty. | Check the work schedule, cargo handling setup, and inspection plan. |
| Return Booking | Reservation is made to return the container to the designated return location. | Shortage of booking slots or acceptance restrictions prevent return. | Confirm availability of return booking before unpacking completion. |
| Return Vehicle Arrangement | The drayage company transports the empty container to the return location. | Lack of vehicles or chassis, or waiting time delays the return. | Check not only the delivery transport but also the return transport arrangements. |
| Empty Container Return | The container is accepted at the designated return location, completing the return. | Container damage, incorrect return destination, or refusal to accept prevent completion. | Confirm return completion with EIR or return acceptance records. |
Common Practical Problem Cases
Situations where Detention occurs can be categorized by delivery destination circumstances, devanning operations, return reservations, return depots, drayage arrangements, and container condition.
| Case | Common Issues | Documents to Check | Practical Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery destination unable to accept | Devanning cannot be done due to full warehouse, insufficient delivery reservations, or acceptance time restrictions. | Delivery reservation records, warehouse responses, acceptance times, delivery instructions. | Confirm the delivery destination’s acceptance availability before CY gate-out. |
| Delay in devanning operations | Delays in returning empty containers due to shortage of workers, forklifts, or excessive cargo volume. | Work schedules, operation records, cargo packaging, cargo volume, staffing information. | Manage return deadlines based on estimated devanning time. |
| Extended inspection and quantity verification | Devanning completion delays caused by damage, quantity shortages, or product number discrepancies. | Inspection records, photographs, quantity verification documents, incident reports. | Simultaneously manage evidence preservation and return deadlines. |
| Unable to secure return reservation | Empty containers cannot be returned due to insufficient reservation slots at return depots. | Reservation screen, reservation request records, depot responses, drayage company communications. | Keep records of unsuccessful reservations and confirm alternative return locations or extension possibilities. |
| Congestion and acceptance restrictions at return depots | Returns cannot be completed due to congestion, shortened acceptance hours, or container type restrictions. | Depot notices, acceptance terms, congestion notifications, return denial records. | Check the latest acceptance conditions and share them with relevant parties. |
| Delays due to change of return destination | Return destination is suddenly changed, requiring re-dispatch or re-reservation. | Shipping line/NVOCC notices, return destination change notifications, communication records. | Confirm who and when became aware of the change and to whom it was communicated. |
| Delays in drayage arrangement | Unable to secure return vehicle, chassis, or driver. | Dispatch records, drayage company responses, return vehicle arrangement records. | Secure return vehicles simultaneously with delivery arrangements. |
| Weekends, holidays, and long breaks | Operating days of delivery destination, return depots, and drayage companies may not align. | Calendars, depot business days, warehouse operating days, free time conditions. | Confirm whether calculation uses calendar days or business days. |
| Container condition issues | Return acceptance refused due to contamination, odors, leftover cargo, liquid leaks, or remaining labels. | Post-devanning photos, cleaning records, return denial notifications, EIR. | Check container condition before return and clean if necessary. |
| Dangerous goods, reefers, special containers | Return conditions and return locations are more restricted than for standard containers. | Dangerous goods information, cleaning records, reefer records, return conditions. | Confirm not to arrange returns assuming the same conditions as for regular containers. |
Delivery Destination Unable to Accept
One cause of Detention is the inability of the delivery destination to accept the shipment. Situations such as the destination warehouse being full, inability to secure a delivery appointment, limited receiving hours, absence of the person in charge, or unavailability of forklifts or workers may prevent container unloading as scheduled.
In such cases, even if the container has been gate-out from the CY, work at the delivery destination may be halted, potentially delaying the return of the empty container. For import FCL shipments, it is necessary to confirm in advance not only the CY gate-out date but also whether the delivery destination can actually receive the cargo.
Delays in Unloading (Devanning) Operations
Delays in unloading (devanning) operations are also a major cause of Detention. When the cargo volume is large, the packaging is complex, the cargo is not palletized, heavy items are included, inspections are required, or the cargo is poorly stowed, devanning can take longer than planned.
In addition, shortages of workers or forklifts, insufficient workspace, or congestion within the warehouse can also delay the start of devanning operations. Until devanning is completed, the container remains loaded and cannot be returned as an empty container. Therefore, the time spent on devanning operations is a key factor in managing Detention.
Delays Due to Inspection and Quantity Verification
For cargo that requires inspection or quantity verification after delivery, returning the empty container may be delayed. If there is suspicion of quantity shortage, damage, wetness, contamination, or incorrect item numbers, the consignee or cargo owner may check the container’s condition, cargo stowage, quantity, and photographic records.
While the inspection itself may be necessary, prolonged procedures can delay the completion of devanning and the return of the empty container. In particular, when cargo damage is suspected, it is important to consider both preserving evidence and meeting the container return deadline.
When Return Reservations Cannot Be Made
Returning empty containers may require reservations with the return depot or the terminal. Even if devanning is complete, you cannot return empty containers without a return reservation.
If the return slot at the destination is fully booked, the reception hours are limited, there is congestion before or after consecutive holidays, or there are restrictions on return conditions, the return may be delayed until the next day or later. Whether the container can be returned within the allowable return period depends not only on the devanning completion date but also on whether a return reservation can be secured.
Therefore, it is important to confirm return reservations not after devanning is complete, but before CY gate-out or once the delivery schedule is decided.
Congestion and Reception Restrictions at Return Depots
Congestion or reception restrictions at return depots can also cause Detention. If the return depot is congested, reception hours are shortened, certain types of containers are not accepted, there is a system failure, or the number of accepted returns is limited, it may be impossible to return empty containers as scheduled.
In such cases, the consignee or freight forwarder may not be able to resolve the issue alone, but it is important to have confirmed the reception conditions and congestion status of the return location in advance. To verify the reason why the return could not be completed, it is necessary to keep records of the return reservation, notices from the return depot, and records from the drayage company.
Delay Due to Change of Return Location
For reasons related to the shipping line or NVOCC, the designated return location for empty containers may be changed. If the change is notified at the last minute, returning the container via the originally planned route or schedule may become impossible, requiring re-dispatch or rebooking.
Additionally, if the notice of the return location change is overlooked, the container may be taken to the wrong return point, making it impossible to return it to the correct location on the same day. To prevent Detention, it is important not to assume the return location is fixed but to verify the latest instructions from the shipping line or NVOCC.
Delay in Drayage Arrangement
Delays in arranging drayage can also lead to Detention. Even if devanning at the delivery destination is completed, the return process is not finished unless a vehicle or chassis is arranged to return the empty container.
During busy seasons, around consecutive holidays, port congestion, or after typhoons and severe weather, securing drayage vehicles may become difficult. Additionally, restrictions on driver working hours, waiting times at delivery locations, and the operating hours of the return yard could make same-day container return difficult.
When Including Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, or Long-Term Holidays
When Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, or long-term holidays are involved, the risk of Detention increases. Since operating days vary among the delivery destination, warehouse, return depot, and drayage company, the dates when devanning and container return can occur may not align.
It is also necessary to confirm whether the free time calculation by the shipping line or NVOCC includes weekends and holidays. Misunderstandings such as assuming the calculation is by business days when it is actually calendar days can lead to unexpected charges. Around consecutive holidays, early confirmation of return reservations and drayage arrangements is advisable.
Issues with Container Condition
When returning empty containers, the condition of the container can become an issue. If there is contamination, odor, residual cargo, liquid leakage, powder leakage, damage, or leftover labels, the return location may refuse to accept the container, require cleaning or repairs, or delay the return process.
In such cases, even if return is attempted, the process may not be completed due to problems with the container's condition. After devanning, it is important to inspect the inside condition of the container and, if necessary, retain photos as evidence.
For Dangerous Goods, Reefers, and Special Containers
For dangerous goods, reefers, flat racks, open top containers, tank containers, and the like, return conditions may be stricter than for regular containers.
In the case of dangerous goods, issues such as residues, labeling, odors, the need for cleaning, and acceptance conditions at the return location may arise. For reefers, attention should be paid to temperature control, plug-out timing, equipment condition, and restrictions at the return facility.
With special containers, return locations may be limited, and chassis or vehicle requirements may also be restricted. Planning returns based on the same assumptions as regular containers could result in refusal at the return site, potentially leading to Detention charges.
4-Point Verification Checklist
To prevent Detention, it is important to manage the schedule backwards from before CY gate-out to empty container return. Confirm not only the delivery date but also the planned devanning completion, return reservation, return vehicle, and return reception conditions simultaneously.
| Verification Stage | Counterpart | Items to Confirm | Actions if Issues Arise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before CY Gate-Out | Shipping line, NVOCC, freight forwarder | Free time, start date, return deadline, return location, whether return reservation is needed. | If conditions are unclear, confirm in writing before gate-out. |
| When Delivery Schedule Is Fixed | Cargo owner, delivery destination, warehouse, drayage company | Delivery date, acceptance time, acceptance reservation, operational setup. | If acceptance might be unavailable, adjust the delivery date. |
| At Devanning Schedule Confirmation | Cargo owner, delivery destination, warehouse | Devanning required time, workforce, forklift availability, planned inspection. | If delays are expected, share the return deadline and cost risk. |
| At Return Reservation Confirmation | Return depot, drayage company, freight forwarder | Reservation slot, reception hours, acceptable return dates, container type restrictions. | If reservation is not possible, keep records and verify alternative return locations or possible extensions. |
| When Changing Return Location | Shipping line, NVOCC, freight forwarder, drayage company | New return location, notification time, whether re-reservation is needed. | Immediately share with relevant parties and adjust dispatch and reservations accordingly. |
| Upon Completion of Devanning | Cargo owner, delivery destination, drayage company | Time when container became empty, container condition, presence of remaining cargo or damage. | If condition is poor, document with photos and confirm if cleaning or repairs are needed. |
| At Empty Container Return | Drayage company, return depot | Return acceptance completion, EIR, reasons for rejection if any. | If not accepted, record reasons and plan for re-return. |
| Before Holidays or Consecutive Days Off | Cargo owner, warehouse, return depot, drayage company | Operating days, acceptance days, business day calculation, calendar day calculation. | Consider bringing forward the return date taking non-working days into account. |
| When Arranging Special Containers | Shipping line, NVOCC, return depot, drayage company | Return conditions for dangerous goods, reefers, and special containers. | Confirm not to proceed under the same return location or conditions as standard containers. |
| When Claim Risk Arises | Cargo owner, freight forwarder, drayage company, shipping line, NVOCC | Where in the process delay occurred, who knew what and when. | Create a chronological chart and confirm following the procedures of the claim handling article. |
Scope of Freight Forwarder Involvement
When a freight forwarder arranges import FCL shipments in an integrated manner, managing Detention is a critical task remaining at the final stage of the import process. They oversee the entire flow from CY gate-out, delivery, devanning, return reservation, to empty container return.
However, freight forwarders cannot fully control the delivery location’s operational capacity, warehouse conditions, cargo owner’s inspection decisions, return depot acceptance restrictions, or changes in return destinations by shipping lines or NVOCCs. It is important to clearly separate what the freight forwarder can assist with and what should not be definitively decided by them.
| Category | What Can Be Supported | What Should Not Be Assumed | Practical Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deadline Management | Confirm Free Time, return deadlines, and return locations, then inform the cargo owner. | Guarantee that the cargo owner’s operations will always finish within the deadline. | Share delivery dates and return deadlines as a set. |
| Delivery and Devanning Coordination | Check delivery schedule, devanning plan, and drayage arrangements. | Guarantee the delivery site’s acceptance capacity or workforce. | Confirm working hours availability with the cargo owner and delivery location. |
| Return Reservation | Verify reservation status with return depots and drayage companies. | Assume that costs will automatically be waived if return reservations are not possible. | Keep records of reservation failures and check alternative options. |
| Change of Return Destination | Share any return destination changes from shipping lines or NVOCCs with relevant parties. | Unilaterally assign responsibility for delays in notifying changes. | Record the times when notifications and sharing occurred. |
| Container Condition | Encourage confirmation of remaining cargo, contamination, damage, and residual labels. | Determine responsibility for container condition issues or cleaning cost burdens. | Retain photos, EIRs, and work records. |
| Sharing Billing Risk | Promptly share the possibility of Detention charges with the cargo owner. | Unilaterally decide the final cost bearer. | Discuss based on causes, communication records, and contract terms. |
Application Scenarios
This section organizes common scenarios where Detention is likely to occur, following the flow of import FCL operations.
Scenario 1: Delivery destination unable to accept, causing delay in unloading
Although the container has been gate-out from the CY, unloading may be delayed because the delivery warehouse reservation was not secured, the warehouse is full, or there is a shortage of forklifts or workers, preventing unloading on the scheduled date.
In this case, the cargo remains inside the container, possibly missing the empty container return deadline. Even if the cargo owner views this as an issue on the delivery destination’s side, from the shipping line or NVOCC perspective, the container has not been returned.
In practice, before the CY gate-out, reservation status, acceptance hours, work capacity, and estimated unloading time at the delivery destination should be confirmed. If delays due to delivery destination circumstances are possible, the return deadline and potential for Detention should be shared in advance.
Scenario 2: Unloading completed but return reservation not secured
Even if unloading is finished and the container is empty, the return is not complete unless a slot at the return depot is reserved. Due to port congestion, holidays, restricted acceptance hours, or limits on the number of returns, reservations may be pushed to the following day or later.
In this situation, the delay is not due to the consignee’s unloading, but it is important to confirm when the reservation was attempted, whether there are records of failed reservations, and if alternative return locations or extensions were explored.
In practice, it is essential to save the return reservation screens, depot replies, drayage company communications, and confirmations with the shipping line or NVOCC. Return reservations should be checked once delivery plans are confirmed, not only after unloading is completed.
Scenario 3: Missed return location change, leading to wrong depot delivery
The shipping line or NVOCC may change the designated empty container return location. If the notification is overlooked or delayed in sharing with stakeholders, the drayage truck may take the container to the wrong depot, making it impossible to return it to the correct location on the same day.
In this case, even if the empty container is en route for return, it may not be considered a completed return because it was not accepted at the designated depot.
In practice, it is important to confirm who received the return location change notice and when, as well as who was informed. Do not assume the return depot is fixed; verify the latest return location and acceptance requirements before returning the container.
Scenario 4: Delivery date and permissible return date separated by holidays
When weekends, public holidays, or long vacations occur, the delivery destination may be open, but the return depot may be closed, or return trucks from the drayage company may not be available.
Additionally, if the shipping line or NVOCC calculates free time by calendar days, non-working holidays during which return is not feasible may still be counted, potentially causing Detention to occur earlier than expected if mistaken for business day calculation.
In practice, the operating days of the delivery destination, return depot, and drayage company should each be checked, and accelerated unloading and return before the holiday should be considered.
Scenario 5: Overlooked return conditions for dangerous goods, reefers, or special containers
Dangerous goods, reefers, flat racks, open tops, tank containers, and similar cargoes may have stricter return conditions than regular containers. Return depots may be limited, and cleaning, residue checks, label removal, or equipment condition verification may be required.
Planning the return as for a regular container may result in rejection at the return depot and exceeding the return deadline.
In practice, the shipping line or NVOCC, return depot, and drayage company should be consulted in advance about return conditions, acceptable depots, operating hours, and necessary procedures. Special cargoes require more generous return schedules than usual.
Practical Measures to Prevent Detention
To prevent Detention, it is important to manage the schedule in reverse from CY gate-out to empty container return. Check the Arrival Notice and guidance from the shipping line or NVOCC to confirm Free Time, calculation start date, return deadline, return location, whether a return reservation is required, and the reception hours at the return site.
At the same time, confirm the consignee’s acceptance date, unpacking work time, arrangements for workers and forklifts, drayage vehicle return trips, and return reservations.
In particular, consignee acceptance conditions and unpacking work times may not be fully manageable by the freight forwarder alone. It is important for the cargo owner, consignee, drayage company, and freight forwarder to share information promptly.
Points Consignees Should Pay Attention To
Consignees need to understand that container handling does not end when the cargo arrives. In import FCL shipments, the risk of container-related costs continues until after unloading (devanning) at the delivery point and returning the empty container to the designated location.
Even if devanning is delayed due to delivery site circumstances or if inspections take time, detention charges may accrue if the container return deadline is exceeded.
It is important for consignees to confirm in advance the available delivery date, the time required for devanning, the workforce capacity, and the container return deadline to ensure timely return of the container.
Summary
Detention charges occur when an import FCL container is taken out from the CY, but the empty container is not returned within the allowed return period.
The main causes include the consignee's refusal to accept delivery, delays in unloading operations, prolonged inspection periods, insufficient return reservations, congestion at the return depot, changes in return location, delays in arranging drayage, weekends and holidays, container condition issues, and the specific return conditions for hazardous, reefer, or special containers.
To prevent Detention, it is important to check not only the CY gate-out date but also the delivery date, planned completion date of unloading, return reservation, receiving hours at the return location, and the deadline for empty container return simultaneously.
This article organizes the scenarios where Detention arises. For the definition of Detention, the difference from Demurrage, and basic responsibility for charges, see "Detention." For reviewing documents, chronological organization, and separating charge responsibilities after receiving a demand, refer to "Points to Check When Receiving a Detention Invoice."
