Layover vs Detention Pay
When it comes to truck driving, time spent on the road is money. Most drivers are paid by the mile versus hourly, which means if you’re not driving, you’re not making money. Delays are often unpredictable – traffic, weather, supply chain issues, shipper delays, etc. are all uncontrollable causes. To soften the blow that comes from losing that potential income, most companies offer layover pay and detention pay for drivers who aren’t moving. What’s the difference between the two, and how do you take advantage of this safety net? Let’s find out!
What is Layover Pay in Trucking?
The standard for layover pay is between $20-$80 per day, depending on the company. The clock for layover pay usually starts once a driver has been waiting for at least 24 hours and will continue to pay out for every subsequent day a driver isn’t moving. At Melton, we pay $75 for the first 24 hours a driver is without a load, and then $75 for each 24 period after that.
What is Detention Pay in Trucking?
The standard for detention pay varies depending on the company and the time spent waiting. The standard for most companies to qualify for detention pay is 2 hours.
While layover pay is mostly out of a driver’s hands, being detained can be either the shipper/consignee or the driver’s fault. Delays can occur during the loading or unloading process that a driver can’t control, such as the customer running behind schedule or not having the proper equipment available for the job. However, if a driver arrives too early or late, they could be stuck waiting around until the shipper/consignee is ready for them.