Practical trucking insights. This article is general educational information; review the requirements of your operation and the terms of your particular contracts.
The Importance of Documentation
Detention time is one of the most frustrating aspects of the trucking industry. You arrive on time, back into the dock, and then… you wait. While you’re sitting there, your wheels aren’t turning, which means you aren’t making money. The key to getting paid for detention is flawless documentation.
Brokers and shippers will look for any reason to deny a claim. You must ensure your arrival and departure times are clearly marked and signed by the receiver. Without signatures, your claim is essentially dead on arrival.
Communication is Key
Don’t wait until you’ve been at the dock for 3 hours to notify the broker. Most contracts require notification within 1 hour of arrival if there’s a delay. Set a timer, and send an email or message through the broker’s app exactly when that hour hits.
Leveraging Technology
Use your ELD data to back up your claims. Geofencing records provide undeniable proof of when your truck entered and exited the facility. If a receiver refuses to sign your bills with the correct times, your ELD timestamp is your ultimate fallback.
Looking for dispatch or back-office support? Start a conversation with TNS.