Trucking Accessorial Fees: Detention, Layover, TONU and Lumper Guide

Detention is compensation for excessive time at a shipper or receiver. The rate confirmation should state how much free time is included, whether the clock begins at the appointment or actual check-in, the hourly rate after free time, billing increments, any daily cap, and whether late arrival changes eligibility.

“Detention available” is incomplete. A workable term might identify two hours free after an on-time check-in, the amount per hour after that point, and a maximum. It should also explain the notice deadline and acceptable proof. First-come, first-served facilities require equally clear language because there may be no appointment time to anchor the claim.

Record arrival at the property, gate check-in, dock assignment, loading completion, paperwork release, and departure. Preserve geofenced tracking, ELD location history, signed bills, facility receipts, and email or app messages. If a clerk will not sign arrival and departure times, notify dispatch and the broker immediately and document the refusal.

Payment terminology does not decide the driver's legal duty status. Under the current 49 CFR §395.2 definition of on-duty time, time at a shipper facility waiting to be dispatched is on duty unless the motor carrier relieves the driver from duty. Loading, unloading, supervising or assisting, attending the vehicle, remaining ready to operate, and handling shipping receipts are also listed as on-duty activities.

Whether a specific waiting period may be logged off duty depends on what the driver is required to do and whether the driver has truly been relieved of work and responsibility. Do not change a log solely to make a delivery appointment work. Read our hours-of-service guide and use the actual circumstances to select the correct status.

The commercial impact is real even when waiting does not consume driving time. FMCSA's HOS summary explains that a property driver may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty and that ordinary off-duty periods do not extend the window. Detention can therefore erase the time needed to finish the trip or reach safe parking.

Layover commonly applies when a customer-caused delay keeps the truck overnight or into another service day. The parties should define what counts as a layover, the flat or daily amount, whether detention stops and converts to layover, when the next charge period begins, and whether the driver must remain available at the facility.

Ask who controls the rescheduled appointment and what happens if the new time conflicts with the driver's HOS or a later committed load. A vague promise to “take care of the driver” is difficult to invoice. Get the amount and revised schedule in writing while the delay is happening.

Truck ordered not used, often shortened to TONU, compensates a carrier when a confirmed load is cancelled or unavailable after the truck has been committed or dispatched. Agree on the amount, cancellation cutoff, what qualifies as dispatch, and whether deadhead distance affects the charge.

When a load disappears, capture the signed rate confirmation, acceptance time, tractor location, dispatch message, miles driven, arrival evidence if applicable, and written cancellation. Ask the broker for a revised rate confirmation showing the TONU amount. Do not rely only on a telephone promise.

A TONU does not automatically replace every loss from a cancellation. The carrier may have declined another load, used fuel, and lost the service day. Compare the offered amount with the real commitment cost, using the method in our cost-per-mile guide, before accepting future terms from the same customer.

A multi-stop rate must identify every scheduled pickup and delivery. State how many stops are included and the amount for each additional stop. A stop charge pays for additional service; it does not necessarily replace detention if the stop also exceeds its agreed free time. Clarify whether both charges can apply.

Driver assist should define the physical task. Moving pallets with a pallet jack, breaking down freight, counting pieces, tailgating, sorting, and hand unloading are different services with different time, injury, and cargo risks. Confirm that the driver has the proper equipment and that the task does not conflict with company policy or facility rules.

Redelivery and reconsignment can add mileage, appointments, handling, tolls, and time. Before moving to a different destination, obtain written instructions, the new rate, and updated paperwork. Never depend on an informal text from an unverified contact; follow the identity checks in our freight broker verification guide.

A lumper is a third party paid to load or unload freight. Before paying, ask the broker whether the charge is authorized, whether it will provide a payment code or advance, and what receipt is required. The carrier should know whether the expense is fully reimbursable, included in the rate, subject to an advance fee, or excluded under the contract.

Keep the itemized lumper receipt, payment confirmation, bill of lading, purchase order or load number, facility name, and written broker authorization. Check that the receipt belongs to the correct load. Submit it through the required portal or email before the paperwork deadline.

If the carrier's factoring company receives the invoice, confirm how reimbursed expenses are treated. A percentage fee charged against gross invoice value can increase the cost of fronting a lumper payment. Review the reserve, advance, deduction, and chargeback rules described in our factoring comparison guide.

Build a standard schedule for quoting, then match it to each broker's agreement. At minimum, the rate confirmation should address free time, detention rate and cap, layover rate, TONU, stop-off charges, driver assist, lumper procedure, redelivery, storage or trailer detention when relevant, tracking requirements, notice deadlines, and document-submission deadlines.

Read the broker-carrier agreement as well as the one-page rate confirmation. If the documents conflict, ask for a written correction. Watch for clauses that waive charges when tracking is interrupted, shorten claim deadlines, prohibit stacking detention and layover, or make a receipt mandatory.

1. 1

   Check in correctly

   Arrive through the required entrance and record the appointment, gate, and check-in time.

2. 2

   Start a timestamp log

   Record dock assignment, loading or unloading start, completion, paperwork release, and departure.

3. 3

   Notify before free time expires

   Send the broker a written update before the contractual notice deadline, including the load number and facility status.

4. 4

   Protect the delivery plan

   Explain any HOS or appointment effect immediately and request revised instructions.

5. 5

   Obtain authorization

   Get written approval before a lumper, redelivery, extra handling, or route change whenever the agreement requires it.

6. 6

   Request a revised rate confirmation

   Confirm every approved amount before invoicing.

7. 7

   Submit one complete packet

   Include the invoice, revised rate confirmation, POD/BOL, receipts, timestamps, and requested supporting records.

Track accessorial events by customer and facility: minutes detained, amount requested, amount approved, amount paid, reason denied, and days to payment. A high gross rate can hide a weak lane if the truck repeatedly loses hours without collecting the agreed charges.

Use the history during negotiations. A facility that averages three hours beyond free time needs a rate and appointment plan that reflects the pattern. A broker that consistently requires correct proof but pays promptly may be manageable; one that changes requirements after delivery presents a different risk.