What is a zero detention policy?

• A. A policy that charges detention fees only during peak times.
• B. A policy that detains shipments regardless of policy.
• C. A policy that waives detention fees for all shipments.
• D. A policy that minimizes or waives detention fees to attract carrier capacity.

Answer: (D)

Detention charges are fees that carriers incur when loading or unloading takes longer than the agreed free time. A zero detention policy means the shipper minimizes or waives these detention fees to attract carrier capacity, making shipments more appealing to drivers and trucking firms. This approach is used to secure reliable capacity, especially when the market is tight or when quick, predictable pickups and deliveries are needed.

Why this fits best: the essence of a zero detention policy is reducing or eliminating detention costs to entice carriers to commit and move freight, rather than charging fees, detaining shipments regardless of policy, or blanketly waiving fees without the strategic aim of attracting capacity.