Truck Detention: How to Track Delays and Get Paid
Truck detention costs carriers time and money. When a driver waits too long at a shipper or receiver, that delay can disrupt the next pickup, reduce available driving hours, and increase operating expenses.
Many freight agreements allow two hours of free loading or unloading time, but detention rules vary. Always review your rate confirmation to confirm when detention begins, the hourly rate, and notification requirements.
How to Protect Your Detention Pay
1. Record exact timestamps. Document the appointment time, arrival, check-in, loading or unloading, and departure.
2. Keep supporting paperwork. Save bills of lading (BOLs), gate tickets, check-in receipts, and paperwork showing arrival and departure times.
3. Notify your broker early. Send a written update before the free-time period expires, following your agreement's notification requirements.
4. Calculate the waiting time. Subtract the applicable free-time allowance from the eligible waiting period.
Example: Detention Pay Calculation
- Total eligible waiting time: 5 hours
- Free time: 2 hours
- Billable detention: 3 hours
- Agreed hourly rate: $50
Estimated Detention Pay: 3 × $50 = $150
This example assumes the detention requirements in the load agreement have been met.
Calculate Your Detention Pay
Use LoadKit's Free Detention Calculator to estimate detention hours and payment based on your timestamps, free-time allowance, and agreed hourly rate.
Important: A detention calculation does not guarantee payment. Your written agreement determines whether detention is payable.
Final Tip
Document delays as they happen, communicate with the broker promptly, and keep your paperwork organized.
Clear records make detention requests easier to review and support.