Free detention claim toolkit

Truck Detention Claim Documentation Checklist

Organize the records that may show what was agreed, when the truck arrived, how long it waited, when it was released, and how the requested detention amount was calculated. No account is required, and this free browser checklist does not upload or save your selections. A signed-in DetentionDesk claim can store supported evidence files privately.

Open the free calculator

Documentation aid only. DetentionDesk does not decide whether a charge is contractually owed or guarantee payment or recovery.

Interactive documentation review

What do you have for this detention event?

Review each item in your browser. Your selections are not saved or uploaded to DetentionDesk.

0 / 12items reviewed

Choose a status for each documentation item.

Rate confirmation or written detention terms
Load number or reference number
Appointment time
Arrival or check-in timestamp
Departure or release timestamp
Signed BOL or POD
Facility check-in or check-out record, if available
GPS, ELD, tracking, or location evidence, if available
Broker, shipper, receiver, or dispatcher communications concerning the delay
Detention calculation
Detention invoice
Additional notes or supporting evidence

This checklist organizes your review. It does not verify evidence, determine legal entitlement, predict payment, or grade claim strength.

DetentionDeskDetention Claim Toolkit

Load reference: ____________________

01

Load and contact worksheet

Record the parties and load identifiers used in your documentation.

Carrier name
MC / USDOT
Load number
Broker or customer
Broker email
Facility
Facility address
02

Facility event timeline

Preserve each timestamp, then identify the calculation window you intend to use.

Scheduled

Appointment date and time

Facility arrival

Arrival date and time
Check-in date and time

Facility exit

Release date and time
Departure date and time

Claim calculation window

Detention start event
Detention end event
Start date and time
End date and time
Calculated duration
Source of rule or instruction

Select events according to the contract, facility rule, or other terms you rely on. The worksheet does not select them for you.

03

Billing terms worksheet

Copy the inputs from the terms or instructions you are using.

Free-time allowance
Hourly rate
Billing increment
Rounding method
Additional charges
Tax, if applicable
Maximum or cap
Source of billing terms
Billable time ________ × Rate ________ = Potential amount ________
04

Supporting-record checklist

Track the status of records without treating the checklist as verification.

RecordIncludedMissingRequestedN/A
Rate confirmation or contract terms
Bill of lading
Facility timestamps
ELD or GPS time record
Lumper receipt or other charge record
Broker, dispatcher, or facility communication

This free checklist does not upload or save files. In the signed-in claim workspace, you can privately attach supported evidence files; DetentionDesk organizes but does not inspect, authenticate, or verify them.

05

Claim email template

Replace every bracketed field and review the message before sending.

Subject: Detention request — Load [LOAD NUMBER] — [FACILITY]

Hello [BROKER OR CUSTOMER],

Included is our detention documentation for load [LOAD NUMBER] at [FACILITY] on [DATE]. Based on [START EVENT] at [TIME] and [END EVENT] at [TIME], less [FREE TIME], the potential detention amount is [AMOUNT] using [RATE] and [INCREMENT / ROUNDING].

Please confirm receipt and advise the next steps. Supporting records listed with the claim: [LIST RECORDS].

Regards,
[CARRIER OR CONTACT]

06

Follow-up log

Record the actual contact date, outcome, and next action.

TargetDateContact / channelOutcomeNext action
Day 0
Day 2
Day 5
Day 10
Day 15
Day 30
Practical boundaries

What this free toolkit does and does not do.

What documentation can support a truck detention claim?

Depending on the applicable agreement and available records, useful documentation may include detention terms, appointment details, arrival and departure timestamps, a BOL or POD, ELD or GPS records, communications, a clear calculation, and an invoice. Not every record is required for every claim.

How do I prove when the truck arrived?

Preserve the most reliable contemporaneous records available, such as facility check-in, a gate timestamp, ELD or GPS history, tracking data, driver notes, or timestamped messages. No single source is universally required.

How do I document departure or release?

A check-out record, signed paperwork, BOL or POD timestamp, ELD or GPS history, tracking record, facility record, or timestamped message may help establish when the truck was released or departed.

Can ELD or GPS records support the timeline?

Yes. ELD, GPS, tracking, or other location records may help support arrival and departure times when they are available and preserved accurately.

Should broker or dispatcher communications be included?

Messages with a broker, dispatcher, shipper, receiver, or facility contact may help show when the delay was reported and what happened. Preserve the original participants and timestamps.

What if some documentation is missing?

Organize what is available, identify the missing item, and keep documented facts separate from details entered manually. Never recreate or alter a record inaccurately.

Does documentation guarantee payment?

No. Documentation can support and organize a request, but payment depends on the applicable terms, circumstances, and counterparty requirements. DetentionDesk does not determine entitlement or guarantee payment.

Ready for the next step?

Calculate the estimate, then organize the claim.

Use the no-account calculator first. When you are ready to save the details and build a claim packet, continue in your private workspace. For a worked explanation of rates, free time, and rounding, read the truck detention pay guide. For the complete sequence, read how to file a truck detention claim, or explore all free detention resources.