Multi-Stop Load
A multi-stop load is a freight shipment that requires the driver to make two or more delivery stops at different locations before completing the load. Each additional stop beyond the first typically earns a stop-off charge of $50–$150.
In Depth
Multi-stop loads are common in food service, retail distribution, and manufacturing supply chains. While the extra stops add revenue through stop-off charges, they also add time, mileage, and complexity to the load.
Each stop resets the detention clock and creates additional documentation requirements (separate BOLs or delivery receipts at each stop). Drivers must manage their HOS carefully on multi-stop routes, as the cumulative loading, unloading, and driving time can push into the 14-hour window.
When evaluating a multi-stop load's profitability, account for the total mileage including between-stop miles, time at each stop, and whether detention pay applies at each location. A 3-stop load with $100/stop adds $200 but can add 2+ hours of total stop time.
Usage Example
Example: 'The load had 3 stops in New Jersey. I picked up $150 in stop-off charges but spent an extra 3 hours navigating the stops.'
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.
Bill of Lading (BOL)
A Bill of Lading (BOL or B/L) is a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that serves as a receipt for cargo, a contract of carriage, and a document of title. The BOL must accompany every shipment.
Linehaul
Linehaul refers to the base transportation charge for moving freight from origin to destination, excluding accessorial charges. It is the core revenue component of any trucking invoice, calculated as rate per mile times total loaded miles.
Rate Per Mile
Rate per mile (RPM) is the gross revenue a carrier earns per mile driven. It is calculated by dividing the total load rate by total miles (loaded + deadhead) and is the most common profitability metric in trucking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are stop-off charges?
Typically $50–$150 per additional stop beyond the first. Negotiate these into the rate confirmation before accepting the load.
Are multi-stop loads worth it?
It depends on the total miles, stop-off pay, and detention risk at each stop. Use the Load Profitability Calculator to model total revenue vs. time invested.