Free tool
Detention Calculator
Calculate detention for days a container is kept outside the terminal (from full gate-out to empty return) beyond free time. No sign-up needed; results update as you type.
See the system that does this automaticallyOpen the live demoDetention Calculator: what you need to know
Detention is charged when a container exceeds free time between leaving the terminal full and being returned empty, and it is paid to the container owner. Containers left waiting at the warehouse or unloaded late trigger it.
Expert tip: Some lines give combined free time for demurrage and detention; negotiating extended free time at booking is often cheaper than paying the charges.
Detention Calculator: worked example
Example values: Days outside terminal 12 days, Free days 7 days, Number of containers 2 pcs, Tier 1 days 5 days, Tier 1 daily rate 60 USD, Tier 2 days 5 days, Tier 2 daily rate 110 USD, Daily rate thereafter 180 USD. With these values the results are:
| Chargeable days | 5 days |
|---|---|
| Detention per container | 300 USD |
| Total detention | 600 USD |
How to use: Detention Calculator
- Enter your own values: Days outside terminal, Free days, Number of containers, Tier 1 days, Tier 1 daily rate, Tier 2 days, Tier 2 daily rate, Daily rate thereafter.
- Choose the currency; money inputs are converted at an approximate rate.
- Results are calculated as you type: Chargeable days, Detention per container, Total detention.
- Check every step of the calculation in the formulas below.
How is it calculated?
- Chargeable days = max(0; [Days outside terminal] − [Free days])
- Detention per container = min([Chargeable days]; [Tier 1 days]) × [Tier 1 daily rate] + min(max([Chargeable days] − [Tier 1 days]; 0); [Tier 2 days]) × [Tier 2 daily rate] + max([Chargeable days] − [Tier 1 days] − [Tier 2 days]; 0) × [Daily rate thereafter]
- Total detention = [Detention per container] × [Number of containers]
Other tools running on Container Time Engine
Calculates free time, demurrage, detention and storage tiers by number of days.
FCRSOFT
FCRSOFT does this for you automatically
You don’t need to do the calculations and checks on this page by hand every day. FCRSOFT derives them all automatically from the records entered in the field.
- Each container’s free time is counted from discharge.
- You are warned before the last free day.
- Any demurrage and detention incurred is posted to the file cost.
Frequently asked questions
How is Detention Calculator calculated?
Calculate detention for days a container is kept outside the terminal (from full gate-out to empty return) beyond free time. The calculation uses Container Time Engine: Calculates free time, demurrage, detention and storage tiers by number of days.
Detention Calculator: what is it and when is it used?
Detention is charged when a container exceeds free time between leaving the terminal full and being returned empty, and it is paid to the container owner. Containers left waiting at the warehouse or unloaded late trigger it.
Detention Calculator: what should I watch out for?
Some lines give combined free time for demurrage and detention; negotiating extended free time at booking is often cheaper than paying the charges.
How is Total detention found?
Total detention = [Detention per container] × [Number of containers]. With the example values (Days outside terminal 12 days, Free days 7 days, Number of containers 2 pcs, Tier 1 days 5 days, Tier 1 daily rate 60 USD, Tier 2 days 5 days) the result is 600 USD.
Worked example: Detention Calculator
Example values: Days outside terminal 12 days, Free days 7 days, Number of containers 2 pcs, Tier 1 days 5 days, Tier 1 daily rate 60 USD, Tier 2 days 5 days. Chargeable days: 5 days; Detention per container: 300 USD; Total detention: 600 USD.
Is Detention Calculator free?
Yes. The tool is free, needs no sign-up and runs in your browser; the data you enter is not stored.
Can FCRSOFT do this calculation automatically?
FCRSOFT counts each container’s free time and warns you before charges start. You can try the Freight & Container package in the live demo without installing anything.
Which currency can I calculate in?
Choose one of 28 currencies in the currency selector; monetary inputs are converted at an approximate rate. To use your own rate, enter the amounts directly.