Truckload Accessorial Charges: Detention, Layover, TONU, and More

What are truckload accessorial charges?

Truckload accessorial charges are fees added to the base linehaul rate when a shipment requires extra time, equipment use, driver delay, or a service not included in the original quote. Dispatch-level billing logs show detention and truck ordered not used (TONU) are the most disputed accessorials because responsibility often depends on timestamp evidence.

Cost structure / standard tiers

Accessorial rates vary by carrier contract and market conditions.

Charge Type	Typical Range	Trigger
Detention	$50-$100/hour after 1-2 free hours	Driver held at pickup or delivery
Layover	$250-$500/day	Driver forced to wait overnight
TONU	$150-$300/load	Truck cancelled after dispatch
Driver assist	$75-$150/hour	Driver helps load, unload, or sort
Stop-off	$50-$150/stop	Additional pickup or delivery stop

Accessorial disputes usually hinge on whether the charge was agreed in the rate confirmation and supported by event data.

Risk mitigation / operational guidance

Write free time, detention rate, layover terms, and cancellation cutoff into the rate confirmation. Capture arrival, dock-in, load/unload start, load/unload finish, and departure timestamps separately. Require facilities to document delays in the appointment portal or BOL notes. Review accessorial trends by facility so chronic detention is addressed with scheduling changes instead of repeated invoice disputes.