Providing Motivation to get Detention Pay

When you incur detention, do you let them know right away? Most brokers must be informed of detention before the 2-hour "free" window expires, let alone after the load is delivered and you are invoicing them for the load. Most of them are good about getting detention as long as you notify them before the free time expires and you have a signed BOL with the In & Out times.

 

You have to negotiate that in advance and notify promptly. Some will want to update the rate sheet and others may have a confirmation code that you can note on your invoice with the agreed amount.

If it's not in writing (rate sheet), the best thing you will accomplish by adding something to the invoice will be a delayed payment and even more time wasted trying to sort it out.

If you suffered some real harm due to the detention (like late fees, dropping a future load, etc) you might try calling the agency manager or LS carrier support people and plead your case.

 

I dont think not sending them the BOL will keep them from getting paid. And I have never had a problem with Landstar agents getting a new rate sheet for detention. And like Red said some will give you a code to put on the invoice

 

Having the signed BOL can be essential, if the shipper refuses payment. It's evidence of delivery. Without a signed BOL your company has no proof of delivery, and therefore cannot demand payment. Some shippers will pay because they know from the cosignee, that the goods were deliverred, but some oddball shippers may not pay on time. For that reason having a signed BOL is essential for your company.
Also, your company may decide not to pay YOU, if the documentation is not completed, for the above reason. If you're late submiting your BOL's either by trip-pack, or by scanning, your pay will be late, and that will hurt YOU!

 

I think the question regarding BOL was more along the lines of forcing them to pay detention because without the BOL they can't get paid.

But don't think that will work. While you need to send the BOL in to get paid, most shippers do not require it to make payment. They learned long ago it is an additional piece of paper that is only needed if a claim is made. And then they request it.

 

Yea but he was talking about not sending the broker the BOL holding it hostage. To most brokers its just another piece of trash they dont really need it

 

Agree, most don't need it for billing. If they do, they let you know. But not sending it is a good excuss for them not to pay you.