Why Carriers Bill Shippers for Truckload Detention

Truckload detention is a term used in the trucking industry to refer to the time a driver spends waiting at a shipper or receiver's facility beyond the scheduled pickup or delivery time. This can be caused by various factors, including delays in loading or unloading, bill of lading paperwork issues, or congestion at the facility. When a driver experiences detention time, it can disrupt their schedule and cause delays in subsequent deliveries, which can have a significant impact on their earnings.

To compensate for the lost time and income, carriers often bill shippers for detention pay. Detention pay is a fee charged by the carrier to the shipper for the time a driver spends waiting at their facility. The fee is usually calculated based on an hourly rate and starts after a predetermined amount of time, usually two hours, has passed. The exact amount of detention pay can vary depending on the carrier's policies and the specific situation, but the average detention pay for truck drivers is around $50-$60 per hour. Specialty equipment types, such as Curtainside Trailers will charge a premium that can be significantly higher.

Carriers bill shippers for detention pay because it is a way to incentivize shippers to be more efficient with their loading and unloading processes. When a shipper knows that they will be charged for detention time, they are more likely to prioritize timely loading and unloading to avoid additional fees. Additionally, carriers may use detention pay as a bargaining tool to negotiate better rates with shippers. By including detention pay in their rate negotiations, carriers can ensure that they are compensated for the additional time and expenses incurred due to inefficient loading and unloading practices.  Carriers will naturally prefer working with shippers that are organized, respectful, and efficient with their loading & unloading.

What can a shipper do to avoid Truckload Detention Fees?