Detention pay compensates you for waiting past the free time at a shipper or receiver — typically 2 hours. Most carriers leave thousands of dollars in detention uncollected each year. It's the single easiest freight management win most owner operators skip.
Get it in writing
'Detention $60/hr after 2 hours' must be on the rate confirmation. Not on the phone. Not implied. Written.
Document from minute one
Photograph your check-in time, take a photo of the dock at hourly intervals, and get the receiver to sign a delay note if possible.
Bill it immediately
Invoice detention within 24 hours. Older detention claims are much easier for brokers to deny. A truck dispatch service should file the detention claim before you're back on the road.
The bottom line
Detention is not a favor — it's a contractual right. Document, invoice, and follow up, and you'll collect 80%+ of what you're owed.