Trucking Wait Fee: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Probably, you’re wondering what trucking wait fee is all about.

That’s why you are having many questions about trucking wait fee.

The best part, this guide will answer all your questions.

What Is Trucking Wait Fee?

The trucking wait fee covers the time a driver spends waiting at their destination while loading or unloading.

We all know that waiting is the worst part of driving, but truckers have it especially tough.

Typically, drivers will allow two free hours before charging. Rates can be as high as $15/hour or more if heavy traffic or a large load.

This occurs when traffic congestion limits trucks’ movements or when shippers’ facilities cannot handle all deliveries in a timely fashion.

Additionally, if drivers arrive at their destinations before scheduled hours of operation, they may have to wait.

Why Are Trucking Wait Fees Charged?

Truck drivers charge fees for waiting in the parking lot or garage for deliveries or pickups.

They can also charge due to port congestion and additional wait time. Any other traffic delays during transit within these areas also contribute to increased costs.

How Are Trucking Wait Fees Calculated?

Trucking wait fees are calculated based on the lot’s regular hourly parking rates.

The only difference is that the drivers charge for their wait time vs. a regular paid parking spot.

What Costs Are Associated With Trucking Wait Fees?

The costs associated with trucking wait fees are simply the regular hourly parking rates where the driver waits. That can be a private lot or garage.

Who Charges Trucking Wait Fees?

The party responsible for the wait fee is the carrier.

A carrier is contracted by a freight forwarder or 3rd party logistics provider (3PL). Let’s look at this scenario as an example:

Having loaded your truck with a 20ft container at 7 am, you wait around the port only to be told at 4 pm that you can’t unload it until 5 pm.

You now have 3 hours of trucking wait fee charged by the hour, and you need to be reimbursed.

You can submit a request for reimbursement via your delivery customer or directly via your company, which is processed within a few business days.

Who Will Be Affected The Most By Trucking Wait Fees?

Typically, trucking wait fees are charged by private parking lots or garages.

The driver could also be charged if they wait in a parking area with no regular hourly parking rates.

How Much Does Trucking Wait Fee Cost?

The average cost for trucking wait fees – can range from $20 per day up to $75 per day. Therefore, truckers must do their research before stopping to ensure the private lot they choose is reasonable.

If the wait fee is too high, consider parking in an unsecured lot or next to another truck.

A trucking wait fee typically costs between $25-50 per day, depending on the location.

When Do Truck Companies Charge Trucking Wait Fees?

In most cases, trucking wait fees are charged when drivers wait in a private lot for deliveries or pickups. It could be waiting at the port or other high-traffic terminals.

Why Is It Necessary To Pay For Trucking Wait Fee?

Due to the cost-prohibitive nature of having a company own its lot, Trucking Wait fees are required. As a result, you’re charged for waiting in a private lot.

How Do I Sign Up For The Trucking Wait Fee?

If you’re a trucker, the wait fee is in your hands.

You sign up for it when you stop in a private lot or garage while waiting for deliveries or pickups.

Do Trucking Wait Fees Apply To Commercial Or Personal Drivers?

Trucking wait fees apply to commercial drivers.

They need to be reimbursed or paid for by the company that charges them. If they’re being charged for a private lot, the driver must pay it themselves.

Who Handles Trucking Wait Fee Logistics?

Companies and individuals in charge of logistics will include trucking wait fees in their delivery costs.

This way, if you’re waiting at the port, you’re covered. Additionally, you can pay on your own if you’re in a private lot awaiting deliveries or pickups.

Why Can’t Truckers Decline Loads That Require Trucking Wait Fee?

All carriers must have a signed service agreement, which means they are required by law to perform their contractual obligations.

How Do I Reduce Or Eliminate The Need For Trucking Wait Fee?

Wait fees are a cost of doing business, so follow your carrier’s best practices.

• Delivering information to drivers before they stop working can save carriers from costly, unexpected expenses at terminals.
• Ensuring your drivers are well rested when starting an assigned shift (to reduce the risk of late-night delivery windows).
• Predicting ETAs accurately using data analytics tools like TMS ERP Contact Center 5 Verification System & Service Desk Manager Express.
• Drivers can book loads in advance and avoid paying wait fees by waiting in line. Rates are determined by the market.

How Can You Avoid Paying Trucking Wait Fees Altogether?

Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid Trucking Wait fees altogether. While you may cut down on these fees by better understanding standard terms, you will never eliminate them.

However, you can park in a lot with hourly parking rates, such as a commercial shipping terminal, to reduce charges.

What Are The Steps To Avoid Being Detained Or Charged A Trucking Wait Fee?

There are several steps to avoid being detained or charged a trucking wait fee. Among those include;

• Request a copy of the P&P (Trucking Wait Fee’s policies and procedure manual)
• Do your research on where you’ll be waiting to pick up the loads or delivered them.
• Determine how much it costs to park in the lot for a few hours before your job, and know what your balance is after any additional wait fees.
• Calculate whether the costs of parking outweigh the wait fee you’ll be charged if you load it. If you end up waiting more than 8 hours, pay the wait fee for every hour you’re late afterward.
• You can avoid being charged a trucking wait fee by choosing a shipping terminal with hourly parking rates.

What Differentiates A Trucking Wait Fee From Being Detained Or Charged A Layover Fee?

A Layover fee is typically imposed by the carrier and is necessary to provide adequate prior notice of an involuntary stop or delay.

Meanwhile, the trucker determines a layover/delay fee and pays before they leave for their trip.

How Long Does A Trucking Wait Fee Last?

Trucking companies have a wide range of waiting time fee structures.

In general, most will charge for one hour or more depending on its policies regarding the particular aspect.

You should, however, always do thorough research on any potential hire before making a decision!

They only charge wait fees during the loading and unloading process.

What Happens If I Do Not Use The Trucking Wait Fee Service During This Timeframe?

For example, you use the Trucking Wait Fee service, but your order does not arrive during the allotted time. The period could be extended in that case without incurring additional costs.

However, in most cases, customers still need to pay their regular waiting fee if they don’t use this option within its limits.

If certain conditions are met, some companies offer discounts on shipping delays. These include; shorter delivery times or alternative options like Express Shipping Services.

As a result, these benefits only apply if you use their truck-wait services (which come at no added costs). If you don’t use the service within the timeframe, you will be charged a trucking wait fee.

Why Should I Pay Trucking Wait Fee When My Truck Is Idle In The Yard For A Few Hours Or Overnight?

You should use the service because sometimes, you’re not allowed to pick up or deliver your load unless you wait at a private lot.

Typically, you should pay the Trucking Wait Fee if your truck is idle in the yard for a few hours or overnight.

That is the rule.

What Are Some Common Reasons A Driver Might Incur A Trucking Wait Fee?

• The trucker has to wait for a terminal or shipper to open, and typically, must pay $1.50 – $2.00 per hour for this service.
• Trucking Wait Fees are incurred for various reasons, but typically, they occur mainly on involuntary stops or delays.

Do All Carriers Charge Trucking Wait Fees, And If Not, Which Ones Don’t?

It’s not typical that all carriers will charge a trucking wait fee, but some do.

Just confirm with the local office.

What Are Some Trucking Wait Fee Suggestions Or Best Practices?

It’s always a good idea to look for a private lot that’s reasonably priced. Alternatively, you can find a high-occupancy parking garage and wait with other truckers.

Are There a Limit To How Many Shipments I Can Book On The Trucking Wait Fee?

Yes, there is a limit of 3 shipments per week in most cases.

Still, you can get better deals.

Are There Any Disadvantages Of Paying Trucking Wait Fee?

Paying the trucking wait fee is beneficial since it ensures timely deliveries. Carriers typically include this fee in their pricing, which means you risk paying a higher shipping fee should you opt out.

Some carriers offer discounted wait fees or reimbursement of other expenses (such as holding fees) when a wait fee is paid.

If your shipment is delayed for any reason, the wait fee continues to accumulate even if you comply with the trucking wait fee policy.

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