Layover Pay Rates 2026
What to charge when you're stuck overnight. Industry layover rates range from $75-$300/day. Know your worth and negotiate accordingly.
O TruckingLayover Pay Rates 2026: $75-$300/Day Industry Standards
$75-$300
Daily layover rate range
24 hours
When layover typically starts
$150
Average broker offer
$250-$350
Minimum to charge shippers
Layover Pay Rates by Type (2026)
Company Drivers (Average)
Varies widely by carrier. Some offer nothing.
$50-$100/day
After 24 hours delay
Owner-Operators (Average)
Negotiate this into your contract or per-load agreement.
$100-$200/day
After 24 hours delay
Broker Standard Offer
What brokers typically offer shippers. Carriers may receive less.
$150-$250/day
After 24 hours delay
Shipper Direct
Premium rates when negotiating directly with shippers.
$200-$350/day
Varies by shipper
Weekend/Holiday Layover
Facilities closed on weekends often require premium layover.
$200-$400/day
Varies
Specialized Freight
Hazmat, oversized, and high-value freight command higher rates.
$250-$500/day
After 24 hours
Layover Pay by Trucking Company
| Company | Layover Pay | Starts After | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Werner | $75/day | After 24 hours | Must be approved |
| Schneider | $100/day | After 24 hours | Documentation required |
| Swift | $75/day | After 24 hours | Varies by division |
| JB Hunt | $80-$100/day | After 24 hours | Intermodal may differ |
| Prime Inc | $50-$100/day | After 24 hours | Depends on load type |
| Melton Truck | $75/24 hours | After 24 hours | Per 24-hour period |
| TMC Transportation | $100/day | After 24 hours | Flatbed carrier |
| Landstar (Agents) | Negotiable | Per load | Owner-op dependent |
* Rates as of February 2026. Always verify current policies with your carrier.
Layover vs. Detention Pay: What's the Difference?
| Factor | Layover Pay | Detention Pay |
|---|---|---|
| When it applies | Overnight delay, no load ready | Waiting at shipper/receiver |
| Typical duration | 24+ hours | 2+ hours |
| Rate structure | Daily rate ($75-$300) | Hourly rate ($50-$100) |
| Common cause | Facility closed, load rescheduled | Slow loading/unloading |
| When to charge | No work available overnight | Waiting beyond free time |
| Documentation | Less strict, often verbal | Arrival time, check-in required |
When Does Layover Pay Apply?
Arrive Friday, facility closed weekends
Layover: Yes — Layover for Saturday and Sunday. Should be paid for both days.
Load rescheduled to next day
Layover: Yes — Layover applies if you must wait 24+ hours. Document the reschedule.
Arrive at night, appointment next morning
Layover: No — Normal operation. Layover typically requires 24+ hour delay.
Holiday closure you weren't informed of
Layover: Yes — Layover + potentially TONU if no advance warning.
Your breakdown causes delay
Layover: No — Driver-caused delays don't qualify for layover pay.
Weather delays en route
Layover: Maybe — Depends on contract. Some cover weather, some don't.
How to Get Your Layover Pay
- 1Negotiate upfront: Ask about layover policy BEFORE accepting the load.
- 2Get it in writing: Rate confirmation should include layover terms and rates.
- 3Document the delay: Save texts, emails, and screenshots showing why you're stuck.
- 4Invoice promptly: Submit layover invoices with delivery paperwork.
- 5Know minimums: Never accept less than $150-$200/day for layover.
We Negotiate Layover Into Every Load
Our dispatch team ensures layover pay is included in rate confirmations. When delays happen, you get paid—no fighting required.