Hotshot owner-operator education
Hotshot Detention Layover TONU: Protect Accessorial Revenue
Understand common accessorial charges and how to document and negotiate them before a load. In hotshot freight, detention is pay for time beyond the agreed free loading or unloading window, layover applies when a delay stretches into a longer disruption such as an overnight hold, and TONU (truck ordered not used) comes up when a load is canceled after dispatch, with payment depending on what was agreed. For independent hotshot, sprinter van, cargo van, and small truck operators—as well as small carriers and driver-owners—knowing how these charges work protects revenue that is easy to lose when delays, cancellations, or poor paperwork go unbilled.
This guide breaks down how detention, layover, and TONU are defined, what to negotiate before dispatch, common charge examples, what proof to save, and how to invoice and reconcile these accessorial fees correctly. The goal is simple: help you bill accurately, avoid unexpected costs, and make better load decisions when time, miles, and cash flow are all on the line.
Three different events
Detention commonly refers to time beyond an agreed free period at loading or unloading. Layover generally addresses a longer delay that disrupts the schedule, often overnight. Truck ordered not used (TONU) typically refers to cancellation after a truck has been committed or dispatched. Definitions and payment obligations depend on the agreement.
Negotiate free time terms before dispatch
Confirm appointment time, free time, the start and end of billable delay, hourly or daily rates, any caps, cancellation deadlines and evidence required. Do not assume a standard rate applies across all brokers or shippers.
Detention fees example
Suppose the agreement provides two free hours and then $60 per billable hour. If documented detention totals four hours under that agreement, two hours are billable and the charge is $120. This is a hypothetical contractual example, not a recommended market rate.
Layover and tonu fee cancellation example
Suppose a separately negotiated overnight layover is $250 and a TONU fee is $150, but the actual amount depends on the negotiated agreement and documented circumstances. A TONU fee is meant as fair compensation when a booked truck and driver were reserved and the load is canceled. These amounts illustrate different possible contract terms; they should not be added together automatically for the same event. Check the agreement for exclusions and mutually exclusive remedies.
Preserve evidence
Keep the rate confirmation, dispatch instructions, arrival and departure timestamps, appointment changes, messages and signed paperwork. Document whether the truck was ready, note time spent waiting at the dock or other facilities, and record whether the delay resulted from the carrier, shipper, receiver or another cause. If delays, appointment changes, or cancellations happen, send updates to the broker promptly in writing and keep that record.
Invoice and reconcile accessorial charges once
List approved accessorials clearly on the invoice and track outstanding balances and payments so carriers can reconcile detention fees correctly. Detention recovery varies with contract terms, documentation and counterparty approval; do not treat a requested charge as collectible until it is supported. Do not count a proposed detention charge as earned revenue until the applicable conditions are met. Preserve both the initial projection and the final actual result.