How to Reduce Detention Time
Detention destroys margin. The average detention event costs $65+ per hour of driver time plus lost revenue miles. Systematic tracking and enforcement recovers most of it.
Track Every Event
Log arrival and departure at every stop. GPS-verified timestamps beat driver self-reporting for billing disputes.
Invoice Aggressively
Send detention invoices within 24 hours of the load close. Attach the timestamped proof. Follow up at 7 days.
Contract Terms
Every rate confirmation should specify: free time (typically 2 hours), rate per hour after, and payment terms. Push back on rate cons with unlimited free time.
Chronic Offenders
Track shipper-level detention averages. Refuse or price up loads from chronic-detention shippers.