Detention time is a hidden challenge in the trucking industry that significantly affects productivity and safety. Detention occurs when drivers are delayed at customer facilities, often while waiting to load or unload cargo. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, the ripple effects of detention are profound and costly, impacting drivers, trucking companies, and even consumers.
The Cost of Lost Time
Every hour a truck sits idle represents lost revenue. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), truck drivers lost over 135.9 million hours of productivity in 2023 due to detention. This downtime translates to more than $11 billion in lost revenue for the trucking industry annually.
Drivers are typically paid by the mile, not by the hour, which means detention directly reduces their earnings. For fleets, prolonged detention lowers operational efficiency and disrupts schedules, forcing adjustments that ripple through supply chains.
Safety at Risk
Detention doesn’t just impact the bottom line—it also creates significant safety concerns. Delays force drivers to work longer hours to meet tight delivery windows, increasing fatigue and the likelihood of accidents. ATRI’s research found that drivers who experience detention speed in order to make up for lost time by driving 14.6% faster than their non-detained counterparts, a behavior that raises the risk of crashes.
Moreover, drivers detained for extended periods may face challenges finding parking as they run out of driving hours under federal regulations. This results in unsafe parking choices, such as stopping on highway shoulders, putting both drivers and other road users at risk.
The Role of Shippers and Receivers
Customer facilities play a critical role in mitigating detention. Some shippers and receivers lack the necessary staff or systems to handle cargo efficiently, while others fail to prioritize truck turnarounds. Poor scheduling and communication compound the problem, leaving drivers stranded for hours.
Facilities that fail to provide parking during detention exacerbate the issue. Drivers often spend additional time searching for safe parking, adding to their stress and delays.
Industry Solutions
Addressing detention requires a multifaceted approach:
- Guaranteed Detention Pay: Mandating fair compensation for delays encourages shippers and receivers to reduce wait times. Industry advocates are pushing for policies that ensure drivers are paid after one hour of detention.
- Technology Integration: Digital tools can streamline scheduling and improve communication between drivers, carriers, and facilities. Automated appointment systems and real-time updates help minimize delays.
- Customer Education: Shippers and receivers need awareness of the impacts of detention on productivity and safety. Encouraging them to improve efficiency and provide parking can make a significant difference.
- Legislative Action: Federal and state governments can pass laws requiring facilities to minimize detention and provide essential amenities like restrooms and parking.
Detention time is more than just an inconvenience, it’s a costly and dangerous issue that undermines trucking productivity and safety. The industry must take action to address this challenge through fair pay, technology, and collaboration with shippers and receivers. By tackling detention head-on, the trucking industry can improve efficiency, safeguard drivers, and ensure the supply chain keeps moving.