The Hidden Costs of Truck Driver Detention

Truck driver detention remains one of the most pressing challenges in the logistics and trucking industry. Defined as the extra time drivers spend waiting at customer facilities beyond their scheduled appointments, detention not only frustrates drivers but also imposes significant economic burdens on the entire supply chain. In this post, we’ll explore the hidden costs of truck driver detention, its impact on different sectors, and how the industry can address this pervasive issue.

What is Truck Driver Detention?

Truck driver detention occurs when drivers are forced to wait longer than two hours at customer facilities to load or unload freight. According to a 2024 report by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), detention impacted 39.3% of truck drivers’ stops in 2023, with nearly 10% of stops exceeding the two-hour mark. This delay not only causes inefficiencies but has ripple effects throughout the trucking industry.

The Financial Impact of Truck Driver Detention

Lost Revenue

 Truck driver detention is responsible for $11.5 billion in lost revenue annually. Carriers, drivers, and the supply chain all suffer as these delays reduce operational efficiency. Refrigerated trucks are hit particularly hard, with over 56% of their stops involving detention​

Lost Driver Income

 Drivers, many of whom are paid by the mile, lose out on substantial income when stuck in detention. On average, truckload drivers lose $889.22 annually due to detention, while refrigerated drivers lose even more—$1,283. Even when drivers receive detention pay, the compensation often falls short of what they would have earned on the road.

Fuel Costs

Detention also leads to significant fuel waste. In 2023, the trucking industry spent approximately $286.1 million on fuel during idle time at customer facilities. Many drivers are forced to idle while waiting, either because of facility restrictions or extreme weather conditions. This not only increases costs but also contributes to unnecessary environmental pollution.

The Sector-Specific Impact

The impact of detention varies significantly across sectors. Refrigerated trucks, for example, experience the most detention, with over half of their stops affected. Meanwhile, truckload dry vans and flatbed trucks experience lower, but still substantial, rates of detention at 32.6% and 26.2% of stops, respectively.

Driver Turnover: A Hidden Consequence

Detention is not just a financial burden—it also contributes to high driver turnover. ATRI reports that 34.6% of drivers have left a job due to excessive or undercompensated detention time. This problem is even more pronounced in the refrigerated sector, where nearly 45% of drivers report quitting because of detention​.

How to Address Truck Driver Detention

Reducing truck driver detention will require both industry-wide changes and individual facility improvements. Here are some solutions that could make a difference:

Fair Detention Fees

1. Carriers should consider increasing detention fees to better reflect the actual costs of delayed operations. Currently, many detention fees fall well below the revenue carriers could generate during normal operation​.
2. Improved Scheduling and Tracking
   Technological solutions, such as real-time scheduling and tracking systems, can help reduce detention by improving appointment management. This can help carriers and facilities work together more efficiently, ensuring trucks are loaded and unloaded on time.
3. Better Facility Management
   Customer facilities need to provide drivers with adequate amenities during detention, including access to bathrooms, waiting areas, and parking. Improved facility management can also help reduce idling, saving fuel costs and contributing to a greener environment.

Driver Detention Conclusion

Truck driver detention is a costly issue that impacts the entire trucking industry. From lost revenue and income to high driver turnover and wasted fuel, the consequences of detention are far-reaching. By implementing fair detention fees, adopting new technology, and improving facility management, the industry can take steps toward reducing the negative effects of detention.