Detention Pay in Trucking: How to Get Paid for Every Minute
Detention — waiting at shippers and receivers beyond the agreed-upon free time — costs the trucking industry an estimated $1.3 billion per year in lost productivity. The average driver loses 15-20 hours per week to detention, and many never get paid for it. This guide explains what detention pay is, what the standard rates are, how to negotiate and document detention, and how technology like TRU LOAD is automating the process.
What Is Detention Pay?
Detention pay is compensation for time spent waiting at a shipper or receiver beyond the agreed-upon “free time” — typically the first 2 hours. When loading or unloading takes longer than expected, the driver is stuck, unable to drive and earn revenue on their next load.
Detention pay compensates for this lost time. It is typically calculated as an hourly rate that starts after the free time window expires.
The problem: Only about 30% of drivers actually receive detention pay, even when they are owed it. The main reasons are lack of documentation, not knowing to ask, and shippers/brokers refusing to pay.
Standard Detention Rates
| Component | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free Time | 2 hours | Industry standard; some contracts specify 1 or 3 hours |
| Hourly Rate | $50 - $100/hour | $75/hour is the most common rate |
| Daily Maximum | $250 - $500/day | Some brokers cap detention at a daily maximum |
| Layover/Overnight | $200 - $400/night | If detained overnight, a layover fee may apply |
How to Actually Get Paid Detention
Step 1: Negotiate Detention in the Rate Confirmation
Before accepting any load, make sure the rate confirmation includes detention terms. If it does not, add it. State your free time (2 hours) and hourly rate ($75/hour). Get it in writing. If the broker will not include detention, factor that risk into your line haul rate.
Step 2: Document Your Arrival Time
When you arrive at the facility, record: (1) the exact time you arrived, (2) the time you checked in, (3) photos of the facility entrance with timestamp, and (4) any gate check-in receipts. TRU LOAD automatically timestamps your arrival via GPS geofencing.
Step 3: Track Loading/Unloading Time
Record when loading/unloading actually begins and when it ends. Note any delays, reasons given, and who you spoke with. The more documentation you have, the harder it is for the broker to dispute your detention claim.
Step 4: Notify the Broker Immediately
Once you exceed free time, call or message the broker immediately. Say: “I have been here X hours. Detention is now accruing at $75/hour per our rate confirmation.” Get their acknowledgment in writing (text or email).
Step 5: Submit Detention Invoice with Documentation
Include your arrival time, departure time, total detained hours, rate, amount due, plus all supporting documentation. TRU LOAD auto-generates detention invoices with GPS-verified timestamps that are nearly impossible to dispute.
TRU LOAD Auto-Bills Detention with GPS Geofencing
When your truck enters a shipper/receiver geofence, TRU LOAD starts the clock. When you leave, it calculates detention, generates the invoice, and sends it to the broker. No paperwork, no disputes.
Get Started Free — No Card RequiredDetention Negotiation Tips
Always include detention terms upfront
Add detention language to every rate confirmation before you accept the load. "Free time: 2 hours. Detention: $75/hour after free time. No daily cap." Make it a standard part of your business.
Charge higher rates for detention-prone facilities
Some facilities are notorious for long wait times. If you know a facility has detention issues, charge a higher line haul rate to compensate, or increase your detention rate.
Walk away from loads with no detention agreement
If a broker refuses to include detention terms, that is a red flag. They are telling you they expect you to wait for free. Factor that into your decision.
Track facility patterns
Keep a record of which facilities consistently cause detention. Use this data to negotiate higher rates for those facilities or avoid them. TRU LOAD tracks facility detention history automatically.
Know your leverage
During tight capacity markets, you have leverage to demand detention terms. During loose markets, be flexible but never haul without at least basic detention protection.
The Real Cost of Detention
Detention costs more than just the time you wait. Here is the true impact:
| Impact | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Lost driving time (fewer miles) | $100-$200/hour in lost revenue |
| Missed next load | $500-$2,000+ per missed opportunity |
| HOS clock consumed while waiting | Reduces available driving hours |
| Idle fuel consumption | $5-$10/hour in diesel |
| Driver stress and fatigue | Priceless (safety impact) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a law requiring detention pay?+
There is no federal law mandating detention pay. However, detention terms in your rate confirmation create a contractual obligation. Some states have introduced legislation to address excessive detention times. The key is always getting detention terms in writing before you haul.
What if the broker refuses to pay detention?+
If detention was in the rate confirmation and you have documentation, you have a strong position. Escalate to the broker's management. If they still refuse, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA or pursue the claim in small claims court. Consistent documentation makes your case.
Should I wait or leave if detention gets too long?+
Never leave with the load without authorization — that is theft. If wait times are excessive, contact the broker and discuss options: deadhead pay to leave, higher detention rate, or rescheduling. Document everything.
How does TRU LOAD automate detention billing?+
TRU LOAD uses GPS geofencing to automatically detect when your truck arrives at and departs from a shipper/receiver. It tracks your time at the facility, determines if you exceeded free time, calculates the detention amount, generates an invoice with GPS-verified timestamps, and sends it to the broker. No manual tracking required.
Ready to start your trucking career? TRU LOAD helps new owner-operators get their authority, find loads, and manage their entire business — all in one app.
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