You arrive on time. The shipper is not ready. Two hours later you are still waiting, and if you are paid by the mile, you are earning nothing.
How big the problem is
ATRI's 2024 research found trucks are detained at about 40% of stops, and at about 56% of refrigerated stops. Across the industry that adds up to around 135 million hours a year and more than $15 billion in lost productivity. Detention also ranks in drivers' own top five concerns.
How carriers pay (or do not pay) detention
| Common policy | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| No detention pay | Waiting time is free for the customer and costs you. |
| Paid after 2 hours | The first two hours are unpaid; then a fixed hourly rate. |
| Hourly job | Every hour counts, including waiting. |
| Paid per stop or flat | Some extra money, but not tied to the time you actually waited. |
Questions to ask before you take a job
- Do you pay detention? After how many hours, and how much per hour?
- Do I have to request it, or is it automatic from the ELD?
- How many stops a week does this account usually have, and how often is there a wait?
- Is this live load or drop and hook?
Drop and hook and dedicated accounts usually mean less waiting. That is one reason drivers who switch to them often make the same money in fewer hours.
Source: Carrier Atlas summary of ATRI detention research
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