Detention Pay Rates 2026
Know what to charge for waiting time. Current industry detention rates range from $50-$125/hour depending on freight type and equipment.
O TruckingDetention Pay Rates 2026: $50-$125/Hour Industry Rates
$50-$90
Standard freight/hour
$75-$125
Specialized freight/hour
2 hours
Standard free time
$63/hr
Industry average (ATRI)
Detention Rates by Freight Type (2026)
| Freight Type | Rate Range | Typical Rate | Free Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $50-$75/hour | $65/hour | 2 hours | Standard rate, most common freight type |
| Reefer | $60-$90/hour | $75/hour | 2 hours | Higher due to equipment costs and temperature sensitivity |
| Flatbed | $65-$100/hour | $80/hour | 2-3 hours | Includes tarping time when applicable |
| Step Deck/RGN | $75-$125/hour | $95/hour | 3 hours | Specialized equipment commands premium rates |
| Hazmat | $75-$125/hour | $100/hour | 2 hours | Higher risk and driver certification requirements |
| LTL/Hotshot | $45-$75/hour | $60/hour | 1-2 hours | Multiple stops may have different detention policies |
Industry Detention Statistics
$63/hour
Average rate charged to shippers (ATRI 2025)
$66.65/hour
Average trucking operating cost per hour
2 hours
Industry standard free time
$15.1B
Annual economic loss from detention (ATRI)
17%
Drivers who NEVER receive detention pay
3.1 hours
Average detention time per occurrence
The Problem with Detention
According to ATRI, drivers lose $1.1-$1.3 billion in wages annually due to detention. The average rate charged ($63/hour) is BELOW the average operating cost ($66.65/hour). You're losing money waiting—if you even get paid at all.
Detention Cost Calculator
Example: 5 hours at shipper, 2 hours free time
How to Get Your Detention Pay
Establish rates BEFORE accepting the load
Never assume detention is included. Get the rate and start time in writing on the rate confirmation.
Document arrival time immediately
Take timestamped photos of the facility, your BOL, and any signage. This is your evidence.
Get a facility check-in timestamp
Have the guard shack or receiving log your arrival. Request a signed gate pass.
Communicate delays in real-time
Text or call your dispatcher/broker when approaching 2 hours. Create a paper trail.
Invoice immediately after delivery
Submit detention invoices within 24-48 hours with documentation. Delays reduce collection success.
Know when to walk away
If detention isn't honored consistently by a shipper/broker, factor that into future load decisions.
Free Time Standards by Facility Type
National Standard
Most common across all regions
California
AB 794 proposals for mandatory detention pay pending
Port Facilities
Often shorter due to high volume
Grocery/Retail DCs
Often have longer processing times
Manufacturing
Generally honor detention policies
Construction Sites
Variable, negotiate case-by-case
We Fight for Your Detention Pay
Our dispatch team negotiates detention into every rate confirmation and follows up to ensure you get paid. No more leaving money on the table.