Driver Layover

Driver layover is an accessorial charge that kicks in when delays at a pickup or delivery facility extend beyond the standard detention window, forcing the driver to remain overnight or for a significantly extended period before the shipment can be loaded or unloaded. While detention covers hours of idle time within the same day, layover applies when the delay is severe enough that the driver cannot complete the stop and must find lodging, meals, and a place to park until the facility is ready.

Layover charges typically range from $250 to $500 per occurrence and may include a per-diem component for the driver's meals and lodging. Carriers view layover as compensation for a full day of lost productivity – the driver can't take another load, and the equipment sits idle. Layover situations most commonly arise from warehouse or dock failures: freight not ready at pickup, receiver unable to unload within operating hours, appointment scheduling errors, or dock congestion that pushes a late-afternoon arrival into the next morning.

For shippers, layover charges represent both a direct cost and a warning sign. A pattern of layovers at a specific facility indicates a systemic operational issue – chronic dock congestion, poor appointment management, or understaffing. Carriers track which facilities cause layovers, and those locations earn a reputation that translates into higher rates, lower tender acceptance, and carrier avoidance during tight capacity markets. Addressing layover root causes through better dock scheduling, realistic appointment windows, and load-ready discipline protects both your budget and your carrier relationships.