As a truck driver, most of your time will be spent traveling from one location to another. However, you鈥檒l occasionally need to wait around between shipments if there鈥檚 a delay from the receiver or shipper, in which case you鈥檒l get layover pay. In other cases, there may be delays during shipment, and you鈥檒l get what鈥檚 called detention pay. This guide will go into more detail about these situations.
What Is Layover Pay?
If the wait between loads is beyond the driver鈥檚 control, truck drivers will get layover pay. However, keep in mind that not every company offers this.
As an example, you may have dropped off a shipment on a Tuesday, but the delivery time isn鈥檛 until Friday. As a result, you may miss out on loads on Wednesday and Thursday. Your company may compensate you for lost opportunities by providing layover pay. This is especially important for truck drivers who get paid by the mile.
What Is Detention Pay?
This is the compensation you鈥檒l get for delays during the loading or unloading process. However, many companies will only provide detention pay that begins two hours after the scheduled drop-off or pick-up time.
For example, you may have an appointment to pick up a load at 10 A.M. but get there at 9 A.M. If the receiver doesn鈥檛 load the truck until 1 P.M., you鈥檒l get detention pay for the time between 12 P.M. and 1 P.M., as the clock starts two hours after the appointment time 鈥� not at the 9 A.M. arrival time.
If you鈥檙e an owner-operator, it鈥檚 crucial to discuss detention pay with the shipper prior to arriving. As a company driver, the pay rate and policy will depend on your employer.
Keep in mind that some shippers and carriers don鈥檛 offer detention pay. Fortunately, the is a bill that ensures drivers get paid at least the minimum wage for on-duty hours, whether they鈥檙e driving or not.
How Can You Avoid Detention?
Loading or unloading delays can reduce your income, especially if they happen often. To prevent them, contact the shipper or receiver before your appointment to confirm the details. Never come late to an appointment, as they may no longer be able to accommodate you. Finally, if you think that you鈥檒l arrive early, call the receiver or shipper while you鈥檙e on the way to see if they can begin the loading or unloading process before the scheduled time.
If you鈥檙e looking to become a truck driver, reach out to our team at (330) 239-2229. Serving Medina County, OH, our program will teach you best practices for thriving in the trucking industry, from how to avoid detention pay to driving safely.
- OH Reg. #2057
- ODPS License #1439-2369