Detention

Detention is an accessorial charge for time a driver and truck spend waiting at a pickup or delivery location beyond a stated amount of free time. The free time, the hourly or flat rate afterward, and the documentation required are set in the rate confirmation or carrier agreement.

Collecting detention usually depends on proof: arrival and departure times recorded on the bill of lading or through the broker's tracking, and often notice to the broker while the delay is happening. Detention that is not approved or documented as the agreement requires is frequently rejected, and the dispute can delay payment of the whole invoice.