O Trucking Editorial Team
Trucking Industry Experts
Fact-Checked by O Trucking Dispatch Team
5+ years advising carriers on TONU protection
Sources:
This article was written by the O Trucking editorial team with 9+ years of combined trucking industry experience. Learn more about us.
O TruckingWhat is TONU? Truck Ordered Not Used Fee Guide 2026
What is TONU?
TONU stands for Truck Ordered Not Used. It's an accessorial charge in the trucking industry that compensates carriers when a booked load falls through—whether canceled by the shipper, not ready upon arrival, or otherwise unavailable.
Think of it this way: You accept a load, drive to the pickup location (possibly hours away), and when you arrive, the load is gone. Maybe the shipper canceled. Maybe freight wasn't ready. Maybe the broker made a mistake. Whatever the reason, you've lost time, burned fuel, and missed the chance to haul other freight. TONU fees exist to offset these losses.
Canceled Loads
Shipper cancels after you've been dispatched—TONU compensates for your wasted trip.
Not Ready
You arrive on time but freight isn't prepared. If it can't be loaded, TONU applies.
Compensation
Typical fees: $150-$500 depending on equipment and circumstances. Covers time, fuel, and opportunity cost.
Why TONU Matters for Owner Operators
Independent owner-operators are hit hardest by canceled loads. One TONU situation can cost you a full day's revenue—not just the canceled load, but all the loads you could have hauled instead. A $250 TONU fee rarely covers the true cost, which is why proper documentation and contract language are essential.
TONU Fee Rates by Equipment
TONU fees vary based on equipment type, how far you've traveled, and your negotiating position. Here are typical ranges:
| Equipment | Low | High | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $150 | $300 | $250 | Standard industry rate |
| Reefer | $200 | $350 | $300 | Temperature equipment premium |
| Flatbed | $200 | $400 | $300 | Specialized equipment |
| Step Deck | $250 | $450 | $350 | Limited availability |
| Heavy Haul/Oversize | $500 | $1,000+ | $750 | Permits, escorts, planning |
| Uber Freight Standard | $200 | $200+ | $200 + $2/mi | Plus deadhead miles |
How to Negotiate Higher
- • Already at facility = stronger position
- • Specialized equipment = justify higher fee
- • Long deadhead = include mileage ($2/mi)
- • Request half the load rate since you lost the day
- • Some drivers require $500 minimum TONU clause
When Does TONU Apply?
TONU isn't automatic for every canceled load. Here are the conditions that typically trigger a valid TONU claim:
TONU Applies
- Load canceled after driver accepted
- Driver is en route or at pickup
- Canceled within 4 hours of scheduled pickup
- Cancellation by shipper or broker
- Freight not ready upon arrival
TONU Usually Doesn't Apply
- Canceled days in advance (ample time to rebook)
- Driver hasn't started working on the load
- Driver cancels for their own reasons
- No TONU clause in rate confirmation
- Driver at fault (late, wrong equipment)
The 4-Hour Rule
Most brokers and shippers draw the line at 4 hours before scheduled pickup. Cancellations before this window usually don't warrant TONU because you have time to find another load. However, if you've already been driving toward the pickup for hours, you may have a stronger case regardless of timing.
Who Pays the TONU Fee?
The party at fault typically pays. Understanding responsibility helps you know where to direct your TONU invoice:
Load Cancellation
Shipper cancels after truck is dispatched
Shipper paysFreight Not Ready
Cargo not prepared when driver arrives
Shipper paysWrong Equipment
Broker ordered incorrect trailer type
Broker paysWrong Location
Driver sent to incorrect pickup address
Broker paysOverbooking
Multiple trucks ordered for same load
VariesWeather/Emergency
Force majeure cancellations
Often negotiatedPass-Through to End Customer
Freight forwarders often pass TONU charges to the end customer who caused the cancellation. If a retail customer cancels their order after the truck is dispatched, the shipper gets charged TONU and passes it through. This is why clear terms in all contracts matter.
Documentation Requirements
Without documentation, brokers often refuse to pay TONU. Here's what you need to successfully claim your fee:
Rate Confirmation
Shows load assignment with pickup details and TONU terms
Proof of Arrival
GPS timestamp, photos, or check-in records at facility
Communication Records
Texts, emails, or calls showing cancellation
Driver's Written Statement
Account of what happened at the facility
BOL or Rejection Notice
If partially loaded or refused at dock
Pro Tip: Document Everything
When you arrive at a pickup and something seems off, start documenting immediately. Take photos of the facility sign with timestamp. Screenshot your GPS location. Save all texts and emails. Even if you're not sure TONU will apply, having the documentation gives you leverage if needed later.
TONU Contract Language
The best protection is including clear TONU terms in your rate confirmations before dispatching. Here's what to include:
Essential TONU Clause Elements
- 1Specify exact TONU amount in rate confirmation before dispatching
- 2Define the cutoff time (e.g., 'cancellation within 4 hours of pickup incurs TONU')
- 3Clarify who pays in different scenarios (shipper fault vs. broker fault)
- 4Include deadhead mileage compensation if truck is already en route
- 5State that TONU is due within 30 days, regardless of main invoice
- 6Add escalation clause for specialized equipment ($300+ for reefer, $500+ for heavy haul)
Sample TONU Clause
"In the event the load is canceled within 4 hours of scheduled pickup, or the truck arrives and freight is not ready/available, a Truck Ordered Not Used (TONU) fee of $300 shall be due immediately. If the truck has traveled more than 50 miles toward the pickup, an additional $2.00 per deadhead mile shall be added. Payment due within 30 days regardless of main freight invoice status."
How to Avoid TONU Situations
While TONU fees help recover losses, avoiding wasted trips is better. Here's how to minimize TONU situations:
For Carriers/Drivers
- Verify load details before accepting
- Confirm pickup 24 hours before
- Work with reputable brokers - use Carrier411
- Include TONU clause in every rate con
- Use a good dispatcher who vets loads
For Shippers/Brokers
- Confirm freight readiness before booking
- Communicate changes immediately
- Double-check equipment needs
- Include clear TONU policies in contracts
- Cancel early if needed (before 4-hour window)
How O Trucking LLC Protects You
At O Trucking LLC, we verify every broker before booking, include TONU clauses in all rate confirmations, and confirm load details before dispatching. If a TONU situation occurs, we handle the documentation and billing so you get paid. We also negotiate detention pay and layover compensation to protect your revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TONU in trucking?
TONU stands for Truck Ordered Not Used. It's an accessorial charge when a truck is booked but the load is canceled or not available. The fee compensates for time, fuel, and opportunity cost. Typical fees: $150-$500 depending on equipment type.
How much is a typical TONU fee?
Industry average is $250 for dry vans. Reefers and flatbeds: $300+. Heavy haul: $500+. Some owner operators negotiate $400-$500 TONU clauses. Uber Freight standardized at $200 + $2/mile deadhead.
Who pays the TONU fee?
The party at fault pays. Shipper pays for cancellations or unready freight. Broker pays for wrong information, wrong location, or booking errors. Often passed through to whoever caused the issue.
When does TONU apply?
TONU typically applies when: load canceled after acceptance, driver en route or at pickup, cancellation within 4 hours of pickup, and shipper/broker initiated. Doesn't apply if canceled days in advance or driver is at fault.
What documentation do I need?
Rate confirmation with TONU terms, proof of arrival (GPS/photos), communication records showing cancellation, driver's written statement, and any rejection notice. Without documentation, brokers often refuse payment.
What's the difference between TONU and deadhead?
TONU is a fee for canceled/unavailable loads. Deadhead is driving empty miles (to pickup or returning home). Some TONU agreements include deadhead compensation (e.g., $2/mile). Deadhead costs money regardless; TONU compensates when you don't haul at all.
Can I negotiate higher TONU fees?
Yes. While $150-$250 is "standard," leverage factors include: specialized equipment, already at facility, long deadhead distance, broker relationship, and urgency of their needs. Some drivers require $500 minimum TONU clauses.
How do I protect myself from TONU situations?
Include TONU terms in every rate confirmation, verify load details before accepting, work with reputable brokers (check Carrier411), confirm pickup 24 hours ahead, and document everything. Using a quality dispatch service also helps—we vet loads and handle TONU claims for you.
TONU Guides
Related Resources
What is Detention Pay?
Compensation for waiting time
What is Layover Pay?
Overnight wait compensation
What is Factoring?
Get paid in 24 hours
Broker Verification
Protect from bad brokers
Rate Negotiation
Get better freight rates
Owner Operator Costs
True cost of running your truck
Accessorial Charges
All trucking extra fees explained