Dray Insight
Bill driver detention
Waiting is the cost carriers lose most often. You collect it with two time stamps and a rule the customer saw first.
Jonathan Sinton · Checked November 14, 2026
You need
- Your free time and hourly rate, on the quote
- Arrival and departure times
- A signature from the customer's site
Steps
- Put the rule on the quoteHow many free hours, the rate after that, and the billing step: per hour or per quarter hour.
- Record the arrivalThe time the driver checked in at the customer, not the time the truck left your yard.
- Warn before the free time endsOne message to the customer: the truck is still waiting and the clock starts at this time.
- Record the departureGet both times written on the proof of delivery and signed.
- Bill it on the same invoiceHours over free time, times the rate, with the signed times attached.
The numbers
Example. Use your own numbers.| Arrived | 9:10 |
| Left | 12:40 |
| On site | 3.5 h |
| Free time | 2.0 h |
| Billable: 1.5 h × $85 | $127.50 |
| Detention | $127.50 |
Watch out
Arriving early or late for the appointment weakens the claim.
Waiting at the terminal is a different charge from waiting at the customer.