Detention pay exists to make that time count, but too often, drivers either don’t get it, or don’t get enough. In this post, we’ll break down how detention pay should work, what to expect from carriers, and how to protect your time and earnings.
What’s Really Going On with Detention Time?
Detention time refers to the hours a driver waits at a shipper or receiver beyond the agreed-upon window (typically two hours) for loading or unloading. It’s a growing problem in the industry, costing drivers over $1.1 billion a year in lost wages, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Long wait times aren’t just an annoyance, they cut into your HOS clock, mess with delivery schedules, and wear down morale. Yet many drivers still aren’t getting paid fairly for those delays.
Detention Pay: Pros, Cons & What to Watch Out For
Pros:
- Compensation for lost time: A good carrier pays after the standard 2-hour grace period.
- Accountability: Helps pressure shippers/receivers to load/unload efficiently.
- Income protection: Keeps your earnings steady, even when your wheels aren’t turning.
Cons:
- Low rates: Some carriers offer as little as $10-$15/hour.
- Poor enforcement: Not all companies fight to collect from shippers.
- Complicated tracking: Requires accurate logs and communication.
What to Watch Out For:
- Look for clear detention pay policies in writing.
- Understand when the clock starts (arrival vs. appointment time).
- Know how to document your time and who to report issues to.
What It Means for Your Job (or Career Path)
Getting detention pay isn’t just about dollars, it’s about respect for your time.
Company drivers should look for carriers that advocate for fair detention pay and back it up with real enforcement. If you’re not being compensated after long waits, that’s a red flag.
Lease-operators and owner-operators need to be even more vigilant. If you’re running under your own authority or on a lease, make sure your rate confirmations spell out detention policies and billing procedures.
Soft-Sell Block If you’re stuck sorting through sketchy job posts, you’re not alone. Drivers 1st helps drivers cut through the noise and find jobs that actually match what they’re looking for, including those with real detention pay policies.
How to Take Action or Apply
1. Ask upfront. Always ask recruiters or dispatchers how detention pay works.
2. Document everything. Log arrival/departure times and get signed bills when possible.
3. Advocate for your time. If your company isn’t paying fairly, speak up, or start looking.
4. Compare your options. Use job boards or a partner like Drivers 1st to compare policies before switching companies.
→ Talk to a Driver Advocate (No Pressure) → Search CDL Jobs with Fair Pay Policies
Conclusion
Don’t let unpaid wait time become the norm. Detention pay should be part of any fair job offer, and you deserve to work for a company that respects your time.
Whether you’re ready to switch gears or just want to see what’s out there, Drivers 1st is here when you are. No pressure. Just better options.
For more updates and insights into the trucking world, stay tuned to Drivers1st.com!