Key takeaways
- Ask about free time, rates, notification deadlines, and required documents before accepting the load.
- Use timestamps, signed documents, messages, tracking, and receipts to support every request.
- Notify the broker while the issue is happening instead of waiting until invoicing.
Understand the common accessorial types
Accessorials compensate work, delay, or expense beyond normal linehaul. Terms differ by broker and customer, so confirm them in writing.
- Detention after agreed free time
- Layover when a delay extends into another operating day
- Truck ordered not used, often called TONU
- Lumper or unloading service
- Driver assist
- Additional stops
- Tarping or specialized securement
- Scale, washout, and permit reimbursement
Clarify terms before dispatch
Ask when free time begins, how much free time applies, the hourly or daily amount, maximum payment, notification procedure, and required proof.
Confirm whether tracking must remain active and whether arrival and departure times require signatures. Add important terms to the rate confirmation whenever possible.
Document the event in real time
A strong accessorial request tells a clear timeline. Record arrival, gate entry, dock assignment, loading start, loading completion, paperwork release, and departure.
- Timestamped arrival and departure
- Signed bill of lading or facility time record
- Electronic tracking history
- Messages notifying dispatch and broker
- Receipts for lumper, washout, scale, parking, or permits
- Photos when relevant and permitted
Submit a complete payment request
Send the request promptly with the load number, carrier details, event timeline, agreed terms, supporting documents, and exact amount. Keep the tone factual and preserve the communication record.
Your action plan
Add accessorial questions to booking
Use the same short checklist for every load before signing the rate confirmation.
Create a driver notification rule
Drivers should report delays before free time expires, not after leaving the facility.
Use a standard evidence folder
Store timestamps, signed paperwork, screenshots, and receipts by load number.
Track collection results
Record which brokers and facilities regularly approve, reduce, or deny valid requests.
Final checklist
Questions about this topic
Is detention automatically owed after two hours?
Not automatically. Free time, rate, eligibility, notification, and documentation depend on the agreement. Confirm terms before booking.
What is TONU?
Truck ordered not used may apply when a confirmed truck is dispatched but the shipment is cancelled or unavailable. Eligibility and payment depend on the agreement and timing.
What if the facility refuses to sign times?
Notify the broker immediately and preserve alternative evidence such as tracking, gate records, messages, call logs, photos when permitted, and electronic documents.
