Free Tool
Detention Pay Calculator
Figure out exactly how much the broker owes you for waiting at a facility.
What Is Detention Pay?
Detention pay compensates truck drivers for time spent waiting at a shipper or receiver facility beyond the agreed-upon free time. Industry standard free time is typically 2 hours, after which drivers can bill an hourly detention rate.
How to Bill for Detention Time
Document your arrival and departure times carefully — always get a gate receipt or sign-in sheet stamped by warehouse staff. Include detention as a separate line item on your invoice with the hours and rate clearly listed.
Standard Detention Rates
Most owner-operators charge between $25 and $75 per hour for detention. The FMCSA has pushed for more transparency in detention pay practices. Always negotiate your detention rate upfront in the rate confirmation.