Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Freight Class • Manifest • RoRo

Detention

Term from Shipping industry explained for recruiters

Detention is a term used in the shipping and transportation industry when a truck or container is held up beyond the standard agreed-upon loading or unloading time. This usually results in extra charges. Think of it like "late fees" but for keeping trucks waiting. When someone lists detention on their resume, they're usually talking about their experience managing these delays and the associated costs, or their success in reducing such delays. This is important because efficient loading and unloading times directly affect a company's bottom line.

Examples in Resumes

Reduced Detention costs by 40% through improved dock scheduling procedures

Managed Detention claims and negotiations with carriers, saving $50,000 annually

Implemented new system to track and minimize Detention time at loading docks

Typical job title: "Logistics Coordinators"

Also try searching for:

Logistics Manager Transportation Coordinator Shipping Manager Dock Manager Operations Coordinator Freight Coordinator Transportation Planner

Where to Find Logistics Coordinators

Professional Networks

Industry Organizations

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a strategy to reduce detention costs across multiple facilities?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should include implementing scheduling systems, analyzing historical data for patterns, coordinating with carriers, and training dock staff on best practices. They should also mention measuring and tracking improvements.

Q: How do you handle disputes with carriers over detention charges?

Expected Answer: Should discuss documentation procedures, negotiation strategies, maintaining carrier relationships, and understanding contract terms. Should also mention systems for tracking and validating detention claims.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What systems have you used to track detention times?

Expected Answer: Should be familiar with transportation management systems, detention tracking tools, and basic reporting methods. Should understand how to document arrival and departure times accurately.

Q: How do you prioritize trucks when multiple vehicles are waiting to be loaded/unloaded?

Expected Answer: Should explain consideration of factors like appointment times, driver hours of service, load priority, and available dock space. Should demonstrate understanding of balancing multiple priorities.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is detention and why is it important to monitor?

Expected Answer: Should understand that detention is extra time beyond allowed loading/unloading time, and that it costs money. Should know basic tracking procedures and why it matters to the company.

Q: How do you document driver arrival and departure times?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic procedures for logging times, collecting necessary paperwork, and basic record-keeping requirements for detention tracking.