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Detention Time Calculator — Driver Waiting Time Fees

Calculate detention charges when drivers are held beyond the free time allowance at shipper or receiver docks. Supports custom free time and hourly rates.

Quick answer: Detention Fee = (Time at Dock − Free Time) × Hourly Rate. Standard free time is 2 hours. Typical detention rate is $50–$100/hour. After 8 hours, a layover fee may apply.

⏱️ Detention Time Calculator

Standard is 2 hours. Check your contract.
Typical: $50–$100/hr
Detention Fee
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Total Time at Dock
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Billable Hours
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How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter arrival and release times — from the driver's log or BOL timestamp. Accuracy matters for dispute resolution.
  2. Set free time — standard is 2 hours at both pickup and delivery. Your contract may specify different terms.
  3. Enter your detention rate — check your carrier agreement or tariff. Standard rates are $50–$100/hour.
  4. Document everything — have the shipper/receiver sign the BOL with timestamps. This is your proof if the charge is disputed.

Worked Example

A driver arrives at 9:00 AM for a pickup and isn't released until 12:45 PM. Free time is 2 hours at $75/hr.

  1. Time at dock: 12:45 − 9:00 = 3 hours 45 minutes = 3.75 hours
  2. Free time: 2.00 hours
  3. Billable: 3.75 − 2.00 = 1.75 billable hours
  4. Detention fee: 1.75 × $75 = $131.25

The carrier invoices $131.25 detention to the broker or shipper. If the BOL timestamps are documented, this is straightforward to collect. Without documentation, disputes are common.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard free time is 2 hours at pickup and 2 hours at delivery, totalling 4 hours of free dock time per load. Some shippers negotiate extended free time (3–4 hours) in their contracts in exchange for volume commitments.

Note arrival and release times on the Bill of Lading and have dock staff sign it. Take a photo of the signed BOL. Many ELDs automatically record location timestamps which serve as corroborating evidence.

If you have documented timestamps and a signed BOL, you have a valid claim. Send a formal detention invoice referencing your carrier agreement. If disputed, the load tender confirmation and BOL timestamps are your evidence. Brokers are typically the intermediary responsible for collecting from shippers.

When a driver is held overnight (typically 8+ hours or forced to take a 10-hour rest at the facility), the charge escalates to a layover fee — usually $200–$400 flat rate — instead of hourly detention.