Practical trucking insights. This article is general educational information; review the requirements of your operation and the terms of your particular contracts.
What Is Detention
Detention occurs when a motor carrier is delayed at a shipper or receiver facility beyond the standard allotted loading or unloading time (typically 2 hours). It represents lost revenue and wasted driving hours.
Why Detention Matters
Every hour spent waiting is an hour you aren’t turning miles. If your truck needs to generate $100 an hour to remain profitable, a 4-hour delay just cost you $400. Detention pay is designed to offset this loss.
Why Most Carriers Don’t Recover
Many owner-operators fail to collect detention because they lack the time, energy, or knowledge to fight for it. Brokers rely on this attrition. Without perfect documentation and persistent follow-up, the claim will be denied.
Step-by-Step Recovery Process
1. Arrive on time and log it immediately.
2. Notify the broker exactly at the 1-hour mark (or as required by the rate con).
3. Document everything on the BOL. Ensure the facility signs the specific IN and OUT times.
4. Submit the detention request immediately upon delivery with all supporting documents.
Real-World Example
Consider a carrier delayed for 6 hours. Without tracking, they lose half a day of driving. With strict TNS tracking, they recovered $200 in detention pay, turning a total loss into a break-even scenario for the day.
Common Mistakes
Failing to notify the broker on time, accepting a BOL without clear time stamps, and waiting weeks to file the claim are the most common reasons detention is denied.
The Dispatcher Advantage
A professional dispatcher monitors your detention in real-time. They make the phone calls, send the emails, and fight the broker on your behalf, ensuring you get compensated for your time.
Looking for dispatch or back-office support? Start a conversation with TNS.