Detention Time

If the crew arrives for delivery and the building manager isn't there to authorize the elevator, the crew waits. If a customer's closing was delayed and the new home isn't yet accessible, the crew waits. Most movers bill detention time at the per-crew-per-hour rate after the first 15-30 minutes. Common detention scenarios: HOA gate codes unavailable, elevator scheduling missed, keys at title company instead of customer, customer running late, building inspector not on-site for required COI verification.

Detention time can add hundreds of dollars to a move if not prevented. A 3-person crew at $200/hr in detention adds $600 for 3 hours of waiting. Most detention is preventable: confirm key location 24 hours before move, verify HOA codes and elevator scheduling, plan to be on-site when the crew arrives, file COI 14 days before move day.

Muscleman Elite gives 15-30 minutes of grace before detention billing starts. We call the customer proactively if access issues arise rather than running the meter. For corporate relocations, detention is billed to the RMC, not the customer.

How can I avoid detention time charges?

Confirm keys, HOA codes, and elevator scheduling 24 hours before move day. Be on-site when the crew arrives. File COI 14 days before move day if required.

What's a reasonable detention rate?

Typical detention is the crew's per-hour rate prorated. A 3-person crew at $200/hr is detained at $200/hr (not 3x).