Clark: Fighting detention with tech, tactics, and teamwork

In trucking, every minute on the road matters. But when that time is spent sitting at a dock instead of driving, profits erode quickly. Detention and delays are the silent drains on fleet performance, creating ripple effects that cut into revenue, frustrate drivers, and strain operations. For carriers, finding ways to address detention isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about staying competitive.

The 2024 American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) report underscores the problem: 39.3% of drivers reported being detained, and while most fleets (94%) charge detention fees, fewer than half of those invoices are ever paid. The result? Lost time and lost money.

The true toll of detention

What looks like “just a few extra hours” waiting at a shipper’s facility is anything but minor. The consequences stack up quickly:

• Lost revenue opportunities while trucks sit idle
• Increased pressure on drivers’ hours-of-service (HOS) windows
• Higher risk of fatigue-related incidents
• Erosion of driver satisfaction and retention

Every delay triggers a chain reaction that can derail schedules, frustrate customers, and weaken fleet performance.

Turning data into a detention defense

Leading fleets are relying on analytics to get ahead of the problem. With telematics and fleet management systems, managers can pinpoint where and when detention is most likely to occur. Predictive insights make it possible to:

• Negotiate better terms with shippers who have poor track records.
• Avoid facilities with chronic delays.
• Build “preferred shipper” programs that reward efficiency.

By leveraging data, fleets transform detention from a passive frustration into an actively managed risk.

Drivers on the frontline

Drivers bear the brunt of detention, which makes communication and compensation critical. Fleets that keep drivers informed in real time can make better operational decisions when schedules slip. Mobile apps and in-cab systems let drivers report detention instantly, giving dispatchers a chance to adjust routes or schedules.

Some carriers also provide detention pay, helping offset lost income and boosting morale. Even though it doesn’t eliminate detention, it shows drivers their time is valued, which is an increasingly important factor in driver retention.

Tech tools that help fight detention

Innovation is helping fleets reduce wait times and improve dock efficiency. Among the most impactful tools are:

• Digital freight matching platforms that align trucks and loads faster
• Automated scheduling systems that coordinate more seamlessly with shippers
• Integrated fleet management dashboards that identify and resolve bottlenecks before they escalate

With the right tools, fleets gain real-time visibility into operations, preventing detention from becoming a recurring cost.

Building partnerships, not pain points

Detention isn’t just a fleet problem; it’s a shared challenge between carriers and shippers. Fleets that collaborate closely with their partners see fewer delays and smoother operations. Effective approaches include:

• Regular check-ins and open communication
• Clear expectations for loading and unloading times
• Training programs for shippers on best practices

Instead of adversarial negotiations, these efforts foster stronger partnerships that benefit both sides.

Industry momentum toward change

While fleets can take proactive steps, broader change will likely come from industry-wide action. Advocacy groups are pushing for the following:

• Mandatory detention pay to hold shippers accountable
• Standardized detention clauses in contracts to ensure fairness
• Regulatory updates that recognize the operational impact of detention

Ultimately, real progress requires a cultural shift: recognizing that time is a fleet’s most valuable asset.

Moving forward from waiting to innovating

The fight against detention comes down to one principle: Don’t just wait—innovate. Fleets that embrace data, technology, and stronger collaboration with shippers can protect margins, improve driver satisfaction, and build resilience for the road ahead.