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Detention time at shippers and receivers: what to record

Helm PartnersUpdated Oct 30, 2026Sources checked Oct 30, 2026

This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.

Short answer

Under 49 CFR 395.2, time waiting at a shipper or receiver, loading, unloading, attending a truck being loaded, or handling receipts is on-duty time. It counts toward the hours of service limits. Federal rules do not set detention pay. Your rate confirmation or contract does. Record arrival, check-in, door, loaded or empty, and departure times for each stop.

In this guide
  • Why detention is on-duty time
  • What to record at each stop
  • Where pay comes from
  • FAQ

Why detention is on-duty time

  • On-duty time includes time at a plant, terminal or facility of a carrier or shipper waiting to be dispatched, unless the carrier relieves the driver (49 CFR 395.2).
  • It also includes loading, unloading, attending a vehicle being loaded or unloaded, and giving or receiving receipts.
  • That time counts toward the limits in 395.3 and shows on the record of duty status (395.8).

What to record at each stop

  • Arrival time and check-in time.
  • Appointment time and door assignment.
  • Loaded or empty time, and paperwork done.
  • Departure time and the name of who signed.
  • Any detention or lumper charges, with receipts.

Where pay comes from

Detention pay terms come from the rate confirmation, broker agreement or shipper contract. Clear stop records support any claim under those terms. See lumper fees and 49 USC 14103 and shipper contract insurance clauses for dry van.

Related: dry van insurance requirements, dry van cargo theft prevention.

Securing the load: general load securement rules for dry vans.

FAQ

Is waiting at the dock off duty?

Not unless the carrier relieves the driver from duty. Time at a shipper's facility waiting to be dispatched is on-duty time under 395.2.

Does loading or unloading count?

Yes. Loading, unloading, supervising, assisting or attending a vehicle being loaded or unloaded, and giving or receiving receipts are all on-duty time.

Do federal rules require detention pay?

No federal rule sets detention pay. It comes from your rate confirmation, broker agreement or shipper contract.

What times should drivers record?

Arrival, check-in, assigned door, loaded or empty, paperwork done and departure, plus who signed.

How does this connect to lumper fees?

If a shipper or receiver requires loading help, 49 USC 14103 says who provides or pays for it. See our lumper guide.

This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.

Sources