Detention, layover and TONU: getting paid for waiting

What each charge means, how to document it and why the paperwork decides whether you see the money.

The three charges

  • Detention: paid when you wait past the free time at pickup or delivery, usually two hours
  • Layover: paid when a load can't be loaded or delivered the same day and your truck sits overnight
  • TONU (truck ordered, not used): paid when a load is cancelled after you've been dispatched

Document everything

Brokers pay detention on proof. Record your arrival and departure times, get in and out times on the BOL, and send updates while you wait. ELD and GPS timestamps help.

Get it on the rate con

Detention, layover and TONU terms should be on the rate confirmation before you load. If they aren't, ask. A dispatcher who claims these charges on every load can add real money to your month.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and depend on your situation. Check with FMCSA, the IRS or your state, or call us.

Want the details for your operation?

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Call for more info(929) 717-5625

Talk to us before you book your next load.

Tell us your truck, your lanes and how you like to run. We'll tell you straight whether we're the right dispatch office for you.

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