Detention Pay
Detention pay is compensation for time spent waiting at a shipper or receiver beyond the agreed free time, typically 2 hours after appointment time. Standard rates range from $50–$100/hour and must be negotiated into the rate confirmation.
In Depth
Detention is one of the most significant hidden costs in trucking. Industry data shows the average driver loses 56 minutes per load to detention, costing the industry over $3 billion annually in lost productivity. At 250 loads/year with 56 minutes average detention, a driver loses nearly 230 hours of potential driving time.
Most brokers include 2 hours of free time before detention pay begins. After that, $50–$75/hour is typical for standard freight; $75–$100/hour is more common for specialized or dedicated accounts. Some large shipper contracts include separate detention scales.
Always document your arrival time at the gate, time in at the dock, and time loading/unloading is complete. Photos with timestamps, check-in receipts, and broker communication records all strengthen detention claims.
Usage Example
Example: 'I arrived at 8 AM with a 9 AM appointment. Didn't get loaded until 2 PM — 5 hours at the dock, 3 hours billable at $75/hr = $225 detention.'
Related Calculators
Related Terms
Detention
Detention pay is compensation for time spent waiting at a shipper or receiver beyond the agreed free time, typically 2 hours. Standard detention rates range from $50–$100/hour.
TONU (Truck Order Not Used)
TONU is a fee paid to a carrier when a shipper cancels or fails to tender freight after a truck has been dispatched and arrives at the pickup location. It compensates the driver for time and fuel wasted.
Rate Confirmation
A rate confirmation (rate con) is a document issued by a broker to a carrier that outlines the terms of a load: pickup and delivery locations, freight description, rate, accessorial rates (detention, TONU), and payment terms.
Hours of Service (HOS)
Hours of Service (HOS) are FMCSA regulations that limit how long commercial drivers can drive and be on duty to prevent fatigued driving. Key limits: 11 hours driving, 14-hour on-duty window, 30-minute break after 8 hours, 60/70-hour cycle.
Live Load/Unload
A live load or live unload is a freight appointment where the driver must wait on-site while the freight is loaded or unloaded, as opposed to a drop and hook arrangement. Wait times of 1–4 hours are common at busy distribution centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard free time before detention pay starts?
Most rate confirmations specify 2 hours free time. After that, $50–$100/hour applies. Some loads specify different terms.
How do I document detention to get paid?
Record arrival time at gate and dock with photos. Note when loading/unloading completes. Email the broker as soon as free time expires to create a paper trail.