How it works
Detention compensation estimates payment for waiting beyond an agreed free period. Measure actual waiting using the timestamps and eligibility rules in your agreement.
The formula
Keep currency, units and time periods consistent. Percentage inputs use percentage points (enter 5 for 5%). Results are rounded only for display; tiny nonzero values may use scientific notation. Undefined ratios are shown as unavailable.
Waiting 5.5 hours with 2 free hours leaves 3.5 chargeable hours. At $75 per hour, exact-time detention compensation is $262.50.
Calculation method
The basic calculation removes free time and multiplies the remaining hours by the entered rate. Waiting shorter than free time produces zero chargeable hours.
Interpretation
Advanced settings allow exact time or rounding up or down to a selected billing increment. An optional cap limits the total payment, including a cap of zero. Use only the treatment that applies to your agreement.
Limitations
This calculation does not establish entitlement, approval or collectability. Retain relevant arrival, check-in and release documentation. Do not duplicate the same period in a layover claim unless allowed.
Using this in a dispatch decision
Use the free time, hourly rate, rounding and cap from the applicable agreement. With two free hours and 5.5 actual hours, 3.5 hours are billable before rounding. The calculator does not establish approval or proof of waiting time.
Method and reference sources
Method and content checked 2026-09-20. These sources provide background, not endorsement or professional certification. The formula and limitations above define this calculator.
- ATRI — Trucking researchOperating-cost research context. No industry-average cost or contractual compensation rate is automatically used.
Frequently asked questions
Is all waiting time automatically billable?
No. Agreed free time is subtracted first. Rounding increments and caps apply only if selected. Compensation entitlement depends on the agreement, not this calculation.
What is a worked example for Detention Pay?
Waiting 5.5 hours with 2 free hours leaves 3.5 chargeable hours. At $75 per hour, exact-time detention compensation is $262.50.