Truck Driver Detention in 2023: Costs, Safety Risks, and Industry Consequences

Truck driver detention, defined as time a driver spends waiting at a customer facility beyond the scheduled appointment, continues to be a pressing issue in the trucking industry. Detention affects both drivers and carriers significantly, causing financial losses, operational inefficiencies, and safety risks. In 2023, this issue reached new heights, as reported by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). This article examines how detention impacted the industry last year, focusing on the time lost, the financial toll on carriers, and the safety implications for drivers.


How Much Time Did Truck Drivers Lose to Detention in 2023?

In 2023, truck drivers experienced significant delays at customer facilities, particularly in the refrigerated sector. On average, refrigerated drivers faced over 209 hours of detention annually, while truckload and specialized drivers lost 173 and 117 hours, respectively. This equates to nearly 15 full driving days lost each year for truckload drivers alone. The total time lost to detention across the industry exceeded 135 million hours.

These inefficiencies have widespread effects, delaying deliveries and increasing operational demands. More drivers and trucks are needed to compensate for the lost time, which raises costs for carriers and disrupts supply chains.


The Financial Cost of Detention to Carriers

The financial impact of detention in 2023 was substantial, with the trucking industry losing an estimated $11.5 billion in revenue. Detention fees, while increasingly charged by carriers, often do not fully compensate for the lost time and revenue. For instance, the average truckload carrier charged $50 per hour for detention, but this is significantly lower than the $99.54 in revenue that could have been earned during that same time.

The costs extend beyond lost revenue. Carriers incur additional expenses for fuel and wear and tear on equipment due to idling during detention. In 2023, the industry spent approximately $286 million on fuel wasted during detention periods, further adding to the financial burden.


Safety Risks for Drivers

Beyond financial concerns, detention poses significant safety risks. Drivers are often forced to adjust their schedules to compensate for lost time, leading to fatigue and increasing the likelihood of accidents. According to ATRI’s research, an additional 15 minutes of detention increases crash risks by 6.2%. This safety concern is compounded by the fact that many drivers run out of Hours of Service (HOS) while still at customer facilities, leading to disruptions in rest schedules and unsafe driving conditions.

Drivers also face challenges with basic amenities while detained. Approximately 50% of customer facilities do not allow parking or provide access to restrooms, adding to the discomfort and health risks drivers endure during long waiting periods.


The Long-Term Consequences of Truck Driver Detention

Truck driver detention is more than just an inconvenience—it has profound effects on the industry. In addition to the financial strain on carriers and the safety risks for drivers, detention contributes to higher turnover rates among truck drivers. In 2023, 34.6% of drivers reported leaving a job due to excessive detention. This high turnover exacerbates the driver shortage already facing the industry, creating a cycle of inefficiency and rising costs.

As detention continues to pose significant challenges, it is crucial for the trucking industry to seek solutions that reduce these delays, improve operational efficiency, and safeguard the well-being of drivers.

For more details on ATRI’s findings, read the full report here.


Conclusion

Detention time remains one of the most costly and detrimental issues in trucking today. From billions of dollars in lost revenue to the safety hazards imposed on drivers, the consequences of detention are far-reaching. As the industry looks toward the future, finding ways to mitigate these delays will be essential for improving productivity, enhancing driver well-being, and reducing costs across the board.

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