Free detention invoice template

Truck Detention Invoice Template

Use this copy-ready structure to present one detention charge with the load reference, selected wait window, billing terms, calculation, and supporting-record list a reviewer needs to compare.

General documentation aid only. This template is not tax, accounting, or legal advice and does not determine whether an amount is owed.

Packet preview

See how a completed detention charge is presented.

This fictional, watermarked preview shows the presentation quality without providing a reusable blank document.

DetentionDeskDetention claim packet
Detention documentationPage 1 of 2

Load DD-28451

Potential detention amount$187.50
CarrierExample Carrier
MC / USDOT123456 / 987654
Broker / customerSample Logistics
Broker emailclaims@example.test
FacilityExample Distribution Center
Facility address100 Sample Way
Billable time × rate2 hr 30 min × $75.00/hr = $187.50
Total wait4 hr 30 min
Free time2 hr
Billable time2 hr 30 min
Billing increment15 minutes (down)
Additional charges$0.00
Tax0.00%
AppointmentAug 25, 2026 · 8:00 AM
ArrivalAug 25, 2026 · 8:00 AM
Check-inAug 25, 2026 · 8:12 AM
ReleaseAug 25, 2026 · 12:18 PM
DepartureAug 25, 2026 · 12:30 PM
Calculation windowArrival to departure
DetentionDeskDetention claim packet
Supporting documentationPage 2 of 2
  • Signed bill of lading
  • Rate confirmation
  • Arrival timestamp
  • Departure timestamp
  • Electronic logging record
  • GPS location record
  • Facility check-in record
  • Text messages or emails
  • Dispatch notes
  • Broker approval
Subject: Detention request — Load DD-28451 — Example DC

Hello Sample Logistics, please find this detention request for Load DD-28451. Based on the information and billing terms entered, the calculated billable detention time is 2 hr 30 min at $75.00 per hour. The potential amount requested is $187.50. Please review the timeline and supporting-evidence checklist.

The account owner represented that the information and billing terms entered were accurate to the best of their knowledge.

DetentionDesk is a documentation and calculation tool. It does not determine contractual liability, establish that an amount is legally owed, or guarantee payment.

Fictional two-page preview based on the current DetentionDesk claim packet structure. It is not downloadable or valid for submission. Packet generation, saving, evidence handling, and delivery remain inside the paid workflow.
Copy-ready line item

Detention — Load [load number]

Facility: [facility name and location]
Wait window: [start event and time] to [end event and time]
Total wait: [hours and minutes]
Free time: [hours and minutes]
Billable time: [hours and minutes]
Rate: [$ amount per hour]
Billing rule: [increment and rounding]
Potential detention amount: [billable time × rate = amount]

Supporting records included: [rate terms], [BOL or POD], [time records], [facility record], and [relevant communications].

  1. 01

    Carrier and invoice details

    Carrier name, contact information, MC or USDOT when used, invoice number, invoice date, payment terms, and the correct remittance details.

  2. 02

    Customer and load reference

    Broker or customer, billing contact, load number, BOL or POD reference, facility, and service date.

  3. 03

    Detention timeline

    Appointment, selected start event and time, selected end event and time, and total applicable wait time.

  4. 04

    Billing terms

    Free-time allowance, entered hourly rate, billing increment, rounding rule, and the source of those terms.

  5. 05

    Detention line item

    Show billable time × rate = potential detention amount as a separate line that can be reviewed without reconstructing the math.

  6. 06

    Supporting-record references

    List the records included with the request, such as the rate confirmation, BOL or POD, time records, and relevant communications.

Completed example

Detention — Load DD-28451

Appointment 8:00 AM to release 12:30 PM produced 4 hr 30 min total wait. After 2 hr free time, 2 hr 30 min remained billable.

2 hr 30 min billable time × $75.00/hr = $187.50 potential detention amount. Billing rule: 15-minute increments, rounded down.

Common questions

Truck detention invoice FAQ

What should a truck detention invoice include?

Identify the carrier, billed party, load, facility, service date, selected wait window, free time, billable time, rate, billing increment, rounding rule, requested amount, and the supporting records included.

Should detention be a separate invoice line item?

A separate detention line item makes the time, rate, and amount easier to compare with the applicable load records and billing terms.

Which detention rate should I enter?

Use the rate stated in the contract, rate confirmation, customer instruction, or other terms that apply to the load. Do not assume one industry-wide rate applies.

Does sending an invoice guarantee detention payment?

No. Approval and payment depend on the applicable terms, facts, records, notice requirements, and the counterparty's review.

Related free resources

Check the math and prepare the request.

Calculate the detention line item

Use the free truck detention calculator to apply free time, increments, rounding, and the hourly rate.

Review the supporting-record checklist

Use the detention claim documentation checklist to organize available and missing records.

Draft the submission email

Start with the detention claim email template and adjust it to the applicable customer workflow.

From invoice line to claim packet

Keep the calculation and invoice aligned.

DetentionDesk reuses the carrier, load, timeline, and billing information you enter to create a reviewable claim packet under your private account.

Build My Claim Packet