Detention, Layover, Lumper & TONU: How to Get Paid for Every Hour

Accessorial pay explained for truckers: what detention, layover, lumper fees and TONU are, typical amounts, and how a dispatcher helps you actually collect them.

Line-haul pay is only part of what a load should earn you. Delays, cancellations and unloading fees are common in trucking, and the industry has standard charges — called accessorials — to compensate carriers for them. The problem is that many drivers never collect them because nobody tracks the time or sends the claim. Here's what you should know.

Detention

Detention is paid when a driver is held at pickup or delivery beyond the free time agreed on the rate confirmation (often two hours). The key to getting paid is documentation: check-in and check-out times, ideally confirmed on the BOL, and timely notice to the broker while you're still waiting.

Layover

Layover is paid when a delay — a shipper not ready, a receiver rescheduling — forces you to wait an extra day before you can load or unload. Like detention, it needs to be communicated and approved by the broker in writing.

Lumper fees

A lumper is a worker who loads or unloads freight at a warehouse. Lumper fees commonly range from about $25 to $100 or more, and they should be reimbursed by the broker. Always get a receipt and send it with your paperwork.

TONU — Truck Order Not Used

TONU is paid when a broker cancels a load after your truck has already been dispatched. TONU payments commonly fall around $150 to $300 depending on the situation. Getting it requires proof that you were dispatched and on your way.

How a dispatcher protects your accessorial pay

• Confirms free time, detention rate and tarp/stop pay on the rate confirmation before you accept
• Notifies the broker in real time when detention starts
• Collects lumper receipts and time stamps from the driver
• Submits accessorial claims with the invoice to your factoring company or broker
• Follows up until the claim is paid

At Pro Dispatch, tracking and claiming detention, layover, lumper and TONU is part of the service on every load — because money you earned shouldn't be left on the table.