Fee comparison
Detention (with power) fees by carrier
Detention with power is what an LTL carrier charges when its driver and tractor are held at your dock beyond the free time stated in the rules tariff. Free time, the billing increment (commonly 15 or 30 minutes), and the rate all vary by carrier — the table below is taken directly from each carrier's published tariff.
Lowest
$19
Median
$69
Highest
$216.9
Carriers
15
| Carrier | Charge | Conditions | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Freight Lines | $19 per 15 minutes | $19 per vehicle each 15 min after 10 min, $75 minimum per vehicle | Mar 1, 2021 |
| Southeastern Freight Lines | $23 per 15 minutes | Per vehicle each 15 min or fraction, delayed at US/Canada border | Sep 16, 2024 |
| Southeastern Freight Lines | $23 per 15 minutes | Per vehicle each 15 min beyond free time (20-60 min by shipment count) | Mar 1, 2021 |
| AAA Cooper | $28 per 15 minutes | Charge per 15 min beyond free time (free time 15-120 min by weight) | Dec 22, 2025 |
| Estes | $40.00 per each 15 minutes past free time (under 20,000 lbs); $90.30 for one hour or less (20,000+ lbs) | Actual weight per stop less than 20,000 lbs: $40.00 per 15 min past free time; 20,000 lbs or more: $90.30 for one hour or less | Nov 17, 2025 |
| TForce Freight | $65 per 15 minutes | $65 each 15 min after free time (30-240 min by weight), $80 minimum. | Jun 6, 2022 |
| XPO | $65.25 per 15 minutes | Per 15 min beyond free time (free time 15–60 min by weight); minimum $86.25 for LTL | Jan 15, 2024 |
| Saia | $69 per 15 minutes | $69.00 per vehicle each 15 min beyond free time (30-180 min by weight), $77.00 minimum per freight bill | Oct 21, 2024 |
| Dayton Freight | $75 per 15 minutes | TL over 10,000 lbs; begins 60 min after notification; $75.00 first hour, $75.00 each additional 15 min. | Jan 27, 2025 |
| Roadrunner | $50/15 min, $75 min charge | Free time varies by weight; $50 per 15 min after free time, $75 minimum | Sep 22, 2025 |
| R+L Carriers | $75.00 per 15 min, $185.00 minimum | After 0.5 hr free time; $75.00 per 15 min beyond free time, $185.00 minimum | Aug 4, 2025 |
| FedEx Freight | $82 per 15 minutes | Per pup each 15 min after free time; $97.00 min; free time varies by weight | Jan 5, 2026 |
| R+L Carriers | $129.00 per hour after 2 hours free time | When US/Canada Customs examines shipment at border port; after 2 hrs free time | Aug 4, 2025 |
| R+L Carriers | $154.00 (1st 24 hrs), $229.50 (2nd), $286.80 (3rd+) | After 8 hrs free time; use of vehicle for public sale of contents; escalating per 24 hrs | Aug 4, 2025 |
| R+L Carriers | $216.90 first hour or less; $107.50 each additional 30 min | After free time (3-7 hrs by weight); first hour or less $216.90, each additional 30 min $107.50 | Aug 4, 2025 |
Amounts are each carrier's published tariff figure — negotiated contracts may override them. Click a carrier for the citation, tariff language, and history.
Frequently asked
How much detention free time do LTL carriers allow?
Most rules tariffs grant free loading/unloading time scaled to shipment weight — commonly in the 15-to-120-minute range — before detention starts accruing. The exact allowance is in each carrier's tariff item and is listed per carrier on this page.
Can detention charges be disputed?
Yes — detention is one of the most disputed accessorials because it depends on recorded arrival/departure times. If the carrier's times don't match your gate logs or appointment records, dispute with documentation before paying.
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