Cost structure / standard tiers
Detention charges for late empty returns follow a tiered daily structure similar to demurrage, but are governed by the carrier's equipment terms rather than the terminal's tariff.
| Timeframe | Status | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-4 after empty container available | Within free time | $0 |
| Days 5-9 | First detention tier | $150-225/day |
| Day 10+ | Escalated detention tier | $300-400+/day |
| Empty return appointment unavailable (carrier-side delay) | Disputed period | Often negotiable/waivable with documentation |
| Wrong-location return | Returned to non-designated depot | Repositioning fee, $200-500 |
Some carriers offer a grace period or waiver process for detention accrued during documented appointment unavailability, but this typically requires proactive dispute filing with timestamped evidence.
Risk mitigation / operational guidance
Verify the carrier's designated empty return location(s) close to the time of actual return, not just at pickup — return location restrictions can change during the container's dwell time, and a container returned to the wrong depot incurs repositioning fees on top of any detention. If empty return appointments are unavailable at the designated location within free time, document the unavailability (screenshots of appointment systems, timestamps) immediately, since this evidence is typically required to dispute resulting detention charges. Where the trucking provider supports it, pair empty returns with outbound export pickups (street turns) to avoid a dedicated empty-return trip and free up both container and chassis inventory simultaneously. Track empty return status as a distinct milestone from "unloading complete" in the tracking workflow — the detention clock starts from equipment availability for return, not from when the cargo was removed.