Detention Time Tracking for Truckers: How to Document and Get Paid

You arrived at the shipper on time. Then you waited. And waited. Three hours later, you're finally loaded — but you're not getting paid for that time unless you can prove it.

What is Detention Time?

Detention time is the time you spend waiting at a shipper or receiver beyond the "free time" allowed (usually 2 hours). If you're detained longer, you should be compensated.

The problem: Many drivers don't track detention properly, don't have documentation, or don't know how to bill for it — so they never get paid.

Why It Matters

• Real money: At $50-75/hour, a 3-hour wait = $50-150
• It adds up: 10-15 hours/week lost = $5,000-15,000/year
• Documentation is everything: No proof = no payment

How to Track Detention Time

1. Record arrival time — Photo with timestamp, check-in record, ELD note
2. Record when loaded/unloaded — Same drill, document exact time
3. Calculate detention — Arrival to completion, minus free time
4. Keep evidence — Photos, signed BOL, GPS/ELD data

Common Mistakes

• Not recording arrival time (can't prove wait time)
• Relying on memory instead of documentation
• Not getting signatures from facility
• Waiting too long to submit claims
• Giving up after first denial

How to Bill for Detention

1. Know your rate agreement — Free time, detention rate, claim process
2. Submit documentation — Load number, times, evidence
3. Follow up — Don't assume silence means denial
4. Escalate if needed — Push back with documentation

The Bottom Line

Detention time is a cost that shippers and receivers should pay — not you. But you'll only get paid if you track accurately, document everything, and follow up.

Stop giving away free time. Track it, document it, and get paid for it.