GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Parking time
Dwell time – also called idle time – is the period during which transport equipment such as trucks, containers, or rail wagons sits stationary at a location without loading, unloading, or onward movement.
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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwell_time
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Dwell time – also called idle time – is the period during which transport equipment such as trucks, containers, or rail wagons sits stationary at a location without loading, unloading, or onward movement. It arises at terminals and transshipment points through congestion, administrative hold-ups, or limited handling capacity. Idle equipment ties up capital and reduces terminal throughput. Logistics providers therefore charge dwell time separately: in sea freight, demurrage applies to containers that overstay their free time at the terminal, while detention covers containers held beyond the agreed period at the customer's premises. Dwell time should not be confused with contractual laytime, which already includes an agreed waiting allowance.
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