A trucking wait fee is a charge applied when a truck driver is delayed at a pickup or delivery location beyond the allowed free waiting time. It is also commonly called a detention fee. The fee compensates the carrier or driver for lost time when loading, unloading, paperwork, dock availability, or facility congestion prevents the truck from moving as scheduled. Trucking wait fees are usually billed hourly or in prorated increments after a set grace period.
A trucking wait fee (also called a detention charge or layover fee) is assessed when a truck driver waits beyond the carrier’s allowed free time at a pickup or delivery location. It compensates the carrier for the driver’s unproductive time and tied-up equipment.
- Free time is typically 1 to 2 hours per stop
- Detention rate applies for each additional hour beyond free time
- Ranges from $50 to $100 or more per hour depending on the carrier
- Scheduling dock appointments and staging cargo in advance minimizes detention
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Detention, Demurrage, Accessorial Charges, and Drayage.
