Free Time at the Dock: What Counts and How to Negotiate It

Free time is the period you can wait at a shipper or receiver before detention starts. It looks like a small detail, and it decides whether a long wait pays or costs you.

Where free time is written

It is in the rate confirmation or your carrier agreement. Two hours is common, but the number is whatever your document says.

When the clock starts

Some documents start the clock at the appointment time. Others start at arrival. If you arrive early, the earlier of the two may not count. Read the wording and ask when it is unclear.

Negotiate before you accept

• Ask for the free time and the hourly rate to be written on the rate confirmation.
• For loads with long waits, ask for shorter free time or a higher rate.
• Ask whether there is a daily cap and what it is.

Protect yourself on site

Check in with a time you can prove. Ask the dock to write your in and out times on the paperwork. Take a photo of the signed document.

Questions