Detention Time Calculator
See the true cost of waiting at docks. Calculate lost revenue and potential detention billing for your fleet.
What you enter
- Avg Wait Time (hrs)
- Free Time (hrs)
- Detention Rate ($/hr)
- Stops/Week/Truck
- % Stops w/ Detention
- Number of Trucks
- Driver Hourly Rate ($)
DispatchTool automatically tracks arrival and departure times, calculates detention, and generates invoices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is detention time in trucking?
Detention time is the time a driver spends waiting at a shipper or receiver beyond the agreed free time (usually 2 hours). Most carriers charge $25–$75/hour for detention after the free period.
How much does detention cost the trucking industry?
Detention costs the U.S. trucking industry an estimated $1.1–$1.3 billion annually. The average driver loses 15+ hours per week to detention, reducing available driving time and revenue.
Can you charge detention to brokers?
Yes, detention should be billed to the party responsible (shipper, receiver, or broker). Include detention policies in your rate confirmation. Many carriers charge $50–$75/hour after 2 hours free time.
How do I track detention time?
Use ELD data, geofence timestamps, or driver check-in/out logs. Fleet management software can automatically calculate detention based on arrival and departure times at each facility.