Waiting Games: Handling Detention at Shippers

Detention is the thief of income. You're burning your 14-hour clock sitting still. The key to handling it is documentation and attitude.

As soon as you arrive, log it. Mark your "Arrive at Shipper" time on your QUALCOMM/ELD. If you hit the 2-hour mark (the industry standard for "free" time), notify dispatch immediately. If you don't ask for detention pay, you won't get it.

While you wait, don't stew in anger. That raises your blood pressure. Use the time. Clean the cab, meal prep, take a nap, or get a workout in. Turn the wasted time into "me" time so you're fresh when the green light finally turns on.