Detention & Demurrage
Also searched as: detention charges transport · demurrage charges meaning · detention and demurrage difference
Detention is a charge for keeping a truck or container beyond the agreed free time. Demurrage is the same idea for goods or containers held at a port, railway yard or terminal. In road transport both words are used loosely, and halting charges mean the same as detention.
Detailed Explanation & Statutory Rules
Strictly, detention is charged for the equipment (a truck, trailer or container) held by the customer, while demurrage is charged for cargo or containers occupying a port, yard or terminal beyond the free days. For a truck on a normal road trip, what the trade calls halting is detention: the owner earns nothing while the truck waits. Agree the free time, the per-day rate and the proof (gate times, signed POD) before booking. See the halting charges page for how it appears on a bilty and a bill.
Practical Indian Freight Example
"A container truck waits two extra days at the Mundra port gate for clearance. The agreement gave one free day and a per-day rate, so one billable day is added as detention. A trader whose cargo sits in a port yard past its free days pays demurrage to the port or line, not to the trucker."
Key Questions & Answers
Detention vs demurrage: which is for trucks?
Detention, which the road trade calls halting. Demurrage is mainly for cargo or containers held at ports, yards and terminals.
Is there a fixed rate for detention?
No. Free time and rate are agreed in the contract. Write them down before the trip.
Detention & Demurrage in Hinglish (Hindi in English letters)
Detention aur demurrage me kya fark hai?
Detention gaadi ya container rokne ka charge hai. Demurrage port ya yard me ruke maal ka charge hai. Road transport me detention ko halting bhi kehte hain.
Detention ka rate kitna hota hai?
Koi fixed rate nahi. Free time aur rate contract me tay hote hain.
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