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Freight Tool

Detention & Delay
Cost Calculator

Enter appointment, arrival, and completion times to calculate billable detention time, estimated charges, and a copyable summary for invoicing or shipper discussions.

New to detention charges? See definition

Appointment & Timing

Used to calculate early/late arrival — not required for detention calculation.

If completion is past midnight, the calculator will handle overnight automatically.

Detention Terms

Industry standard is 2 hrs. Your carrier agreement may differ.

$

Industry range: $50–$150/hr. Confirm with your rate confirmation.

What is Detention?

Detention is a charge applied when a carrier's truck is held at a shipper or receiver's facility beyond the agreed free time — typically two hours per stop. It compensates drivers and carriers for lost productive driving time while waiting to be loaded or unloaded.

Detention charges are billed per truck, per stop, and typically begin after free time expires. Some carriers bill in 15-minute or 30-minute increments; others in full-hour increments only. The applicable rate and free time allowance are usually specified on the rate confirmation.

To dispute or avoid detention charges, shippers should document driver arrival times, dock assignment times, and completion times — and communicate any delays as early as possible so the carrier can adjust dispatch.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does free time start — at appointment or at arrival?
Free time typically begins when the driver checks in or arrives at the facility, not at the scheduled appointment time. If the driver arrives late, free time still starts at arrival in most carrier agreements. Always verify the specific terms on your rate confirmation.
Can the shipper dispute a detention charge?
Yes — but disputes are easier to win with documentation. Shippers should maintain timestamped logs of driver arrival (often via a check-in sheet or digital check-in), dock assignment, and release. If you believe the detention is unwarranted, contact your freight broker or carrier promptly with supporting records.
Does detention apply to both pickup and delivery?
Yes. Detention can be charged at the shipper's dock (pickup) and at the consignee's dock (delivery). Each stop typically has its own free time allowance. This calculator covers a single stop — for multiple stops, calculate each separately.
What is a typical detention rate in Canada?
Most carriers in Canada charge between $50 and $150 per hour. Specialized equipment, regulated commodities like cannabis, and team drivers typically carry higher detention rates. Confirm the applicable rate with your carrier or freight broker before the load moves.
Do overnight loads affect detention calculation?
If a driver arrives in the evening and loading extends past midnight, the total time on site spans two calendar days. This calculator handles overnight scenarios automatically — if the completion time is earlier in the 24-hour clock than the arrival time, it adds 24 hours to the completion time.

Related Guide

Freight Brokerage

What Is Detention in Trucking and How Is It Charged?

5 min read
About this tool

What it calculates

Calculates billable detention time and estimated detention charges based on driver arrival time, departure time, and the carrier's free-time allowance.

Who it's for

Carriers calculating charges to invoice a shipper, and shippers validating detention invoices.

What you'll need

Driver arrival time, departure time, free-time allowance (in minutes or hours), and the carrier's detention rate.

How to use the result

Use to verify or estimate detention charges. Actual charges are governed by the carrier's tariff and the spot or contract rate agreed at booking.

Key assumptions

Free time defaults to 2 hours if not specified. Detention clock start and stop rules vary by carrier — some start from appointment time, others from actual arrival.

When to confirm with a specialist

For disputed detention invoices or facilities with consistently long loading times, contact OTR Logistics Solutions to discuss preventive measures and carrier rate negotiations.

Need help with this shipment?

OTR Logistics Solutions specialists available 24/7 — no account required.

1-855-247-OTR0

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