No Detention Pay = Red Flag?

Are you sure the QC doesn't read "Company doesn't pay detention"? I haven't seen that in my years of driving. I find it strange they give you a warning in advance. Pretty much saying you are going to be there awhile and tough luck.

SLDC is just an old trick to put shortages on the carrier. People make mistakes and the shipper doesn't want to take any losses. You'll see that alot.
Alot of times the shipper will have the load staged. You can do a quick count without having to stand there like an idiot. Common items like a complete load of one product, you can get away with visually scanning full pallets. I've even been to places SLDC and you weren't allowed on the dock. Go figure? If you see a dock using scanners, you can pretty well trust the load to match the bills. The main thing is to watch for damage. An inexperienced Richard Petty forklift operator will ram pallets and stuff. I would ask your dispatcher, If I have to stand there and count, do I get paid for "Driver Assist Loading"? Because actually you are. Counting is part of the load process.

You'll learn alot your first year and probably get beat alot. It gets better in time.

 

I agree. I don't think I have seen "Shipper pays no detention". They just don't tell you! These things are generally learned the hard way - or by other drivers. You will know the SECOND time you go somewhere what to expect. I, too, have been to companies that say SLDC then won't allow you on the dock! In these cases, be sure to QC your dispatcher to CYA. Don't just call. QC it so it is in writing. USUALLY, if the warehouse looks in good shape, using scanners for inventory, etc. you can be fairly confident, as CondoCruiser says. Of course, knowing if a warehouse looks good will take experience to determine. It is all part of the learning process. Despite the help from other drivers, including on this forum, a LOT of this job is learned from personal experience, mistakes, successes, etc. Good luck!

 

While both MAY be red flags there are other factors to consider--first and foremost--what kind of load is it? ad is there an actual load appointment? While I do very little broker work--I did at one time work with one VERY REPUTABLE broker--and I did a lot of produce work with them over the years--and they spelled out every detail on their load assignment contracts--including detention charges etc....typically it was stated on Produce pick-ups--that detention wasn't part of the deal--but produce is a very different animal than many other types of work--it is much the same way on fresh meat loads--Difference is those of us who do this kind of work UNDERSTAND this and know it is part of the game(why many people will not do it)
And as for SLC--while I also do very little large warehouse work--I personally have never been somewhere where it (or someone says)No SLC where they will not let you on dock--I am sure some try--but at that point you do not have to load it--and I would suggest as a company driver--you contact your company for further instructions---
The point here being is would not immeadiately pass on this type of contractual wording without checking it out further--especially if the rate is right and get's you somewhere you want/need to be
And REMEMBER--since these are contracts like any other--you still have the right to renegotiate--so read it--make a call and discuss it--it is perfectly legal and legitimate--to black out something--you and the other party agree on--and/or add subtract terminology B4--you sign and return--------------
Just my $.02

 

Are you with Prime by chance? We have information that reads exactly like that on our dispatched. It's very rare that i see the "Customer Pays No Detention" message. I did have it on a load last week with a midnight load time from a customer we usually drop / hook at, however due to the nature of the product they had to live load me. I showed up at 2345, and was out of there by 0100. So it isn't always a sign that you're going to be there a while, it may just be a competitive freight area, and to get more loads, your company has forgone having detention in the contract (my load was out of FL, a very competitive freight market).