TONU Rates 2026
How much to charge when loads cancel. Current TONU rates range from $150-$500+ depending on equipment type and circumstances.
O TruckingTONU Rates 2026: $150-$500 Canceled Load Fees by Equipment
$150
Dry van minimum
$250
Industry average
$500+
Specialized equipment
50%
Of line haul (alternative)
Key Takeaways
- Standard dry van TONU runs roughly $150-$300, with about $250 widely treated as a fair benchmark.
- Specialized equipment commands more: reefer $200-$400, flatbed $250-$500, and heavy haul/oversized $400-$1,000+.
- Many carriers bill TONU as 50% of the line haul or a flat fee, whichever is greater, to protect high-value loads.
- Deadhead distance, last-minute timing, and arriving at the shipper all push the rate toward the premium end.
- Always write the TONU amount and trigger conditions onto the rate confirmation before dispatch, or it is far harder to collect.
- Invoice the TONU within 24-48 hours with the rate confirmation number, cancellation time, and deadhead miles documented.
TONU Rates by Equipment Type (2026)
| Equipment | Standard TONU | Premium TONU | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $150-$200 | $250-$300 | Most common equipment type. Brokers often start at $150. |
| Reefer | $200-$300 | $300-$400 | Higher due to fuel costs for running unit and perishable freight risks. |
| Flatbed | $200-$300 | $350-$500 | Includes consideration for tarps, straps, and securement time. |
| Step Deck/RGN | $250-$400 | $400-$600 | Specialized equipment, limited load options. Commands premium. |
| Hotshot | $100-$200 | $200-$300 | Lower due to smaller equipment but still compensates for lost opportunity. |
| Power Only | $100-$150 | $150-$250 | No trailer repositioning but still covers deadhead and time. |
| Heavy Haul/Oversized | $400-$600 | $600-$1000+ | Permit costs, escort vehicles, and extremely limited load options. |
The 50% Rule
Many carriers charge TONU as 50% of the line haul OR a flat rate—whichever is higher. For a $2,000 load, that would be $1,000 TONU. This protects you on high-value loads. If you arrived and waited before the cancellation, you can often bill detention up to that point on top of the TONU. Lock the exact number in before dispatch with our TONU negotiation guide.
Factors That Affect TONU Rates
Distance already traveled (deadhead)
More miles to pick up = higher TONU. Often calculated at $1.50-$2.50/mile deadhead.
Time of cancellation
Last-minute cancellations (within hours) command higher fees than 24+ hour notice.
Already at shipper
If you've arrived and load cancels, full TONU applies. Some charge detention + TONU.
Market conditions
Tight capacity = higher TONU. Loose market = harder to collect maximum.
Relationship with broker
Long-term partners may pay more to maintain relationship. New brokers may fight.
Load value/rate
Some calculate TONU as 50% of line haul. Higher-paying load = higher TONU.
TONU Negotiation Scripts
Broker says 'We don't pay TONU'
"I understand, but I've already turned down other loads and committed my equipment. $[X] TONU is standard in the industry. If we can't agree on TONU upfront, I'll need to pass on the load."
Broker offers $100 TONU
"My TONU is $[250] minimum. That covers my deadhead, fuel, and the opportunity cost of loads I turned down to commit to this. Can we meet at $[200]?"
Load cancels after you've arrived
"I'm at [shipper] and the load isn't here. Per our rate confirmation, TONU is $[X]. I need that issued before I leave so we can get this processed. I've got photos showing I arrived at [time]."
Broker says shipper cancelled, not them
"I understand, but my agreement is with you. You'll need to collect from the shipper. My TONU is $[X] as stated on the rate confirmation. When can I expect that to be processed?"
TONU Documentation Checklist
Good documentation is the difference between getting paid and fighting for months.
Common TONU Mistakes to Avoid
- Not putting the TONU amount and trigger conditions on the rate confirmation before dispatch — a verbal promise is hard to enforce.
- Accepting a broker's $100 lowball when your deadhead and lost opportunity justify more; negotiate the figure upfront.
- Leaving the shipper without timestamped arrival photos and the cancellation message saved.
- Forgetting that detention can stack on top of TONU if you arrived and waited before the load canceled.
- Waiting weeks to invoice — late TONU invoices are easier to dispute and slower to collect.
Sample TONU Language for Rate Confirmation
TONU POLICY: In the event of cancellation within 6 hours of scheduled pickup, or if carrier arrives and load is not available, a Truck Ordered Not Used (TONU) fee of $[YOUR RATE] will apply. For cancellation after carrier has departed origin, TONU will be calculated at $[X]/mile deadhead plus flat fee, or 50% of line haul, whichever is greater. Carrier will provide arrival documentation for TONU payment.
Customize with your rates and include on EVERY rate confirmation.
TONU Rates: Frequently Asked Questions
How much is TONU for a dry van?+
Standard TONU for a dry van typically runs $150-$200, rising to roughly $250-$300 (premium) for last-minute cancellations or when the carrier has already arrived at the shipper. A figure near $250 is widely treated as a fair benchmark, but the rate you actually collect depends on the deadhead involved and what you negotiated on the rate confirmation.
What factors affect TONU rates?+
TONU rates are affected by: 1) distance already traveled (deadhead), 2) timing of the cancellation (last-minute commands more), 3) whether you have arrived at the shipper, 4) market conditions, 5) your relationship with the broker, and 6) the original load value. Some carriers instead charge 50% of the line haul, whichever is greater.
How do I negotiate TONU with a broker?+
Negotiate TONU upfront, before accepting the load, and get it written onto the rate confirmation. If a broker says 'we don't pay TONU,' explain that you committed equipment and turned down other loads. Reference common industry benchmarks (around $250 for a dry van) and hold to a stated minimum. See our step-by-step guide on how to negotiate TONU for scripts and counters.
What's the difference between TONU and detention?+
TONU (Truck Ordered Not Used) compensates you when a booked load is canceled and you never haul anything. Detention compensates you for excessive waiting time once you have arrived and the freight does exist but loading or unloading is delayed beyond the free window (usually 2 hours). The two can stack: if you arrive, wait, and then the load cancels, many carriers bill detention up to the cancellation plus the TONU fee.
Can a broker refuse to pay TONU?+
A broker can refuse, but it is much harder to enforce a TONU when it was never written on the rate confirmation. That is why you put the TONU amount and trigger conditions in writing before dispatch. If a TONU was agreed in writing and the broker still won't pay, document everything (rate confirmation, cancellation message, arrival photos and times), invoice promptly, and escalate through the broker's surety bond if needed.
How quickly should I invoice a TONU?+
Send the TONU invoice within 24-48 hours while the timeline is fresh and your documentation is easy to attach. Reference the rate confirmation number, the cancellation time, and your deadhead miles. Waiting weeks makes the charge easier to dispute and slower to collect.
Related reading: detention pay rates, deadhead pay negotiation, and the full accessorial charges list.
We Include TONU on Every Load
Our dispatch team negotiates TONU into every rate confirmation. If a load cancels, you get paid. No exceptions, no fighting.