TONU vs. Layover vs. Detention: What to Document
TONU, layover, and detention all compensate different disruptions. Treating them as interchangeable makes the request harder to explain and easier to dispute.
Quick answer
Quick answer
TONU generally addresses a truck ordered but not used, detention addresses excess waiting beyond agreed free time, and layover addresses a delay that consumes a larger operating period; the written agreement controls each payment.
- Classify the event before requesting payment.
- Use the exact written term and notice requirement.
- Keep time, truck position, and approval evidence together.
TONU begins with the order and cancellation
Record when the truck was requested, when the carrier accepted, where the truck was when it was cancelled, whether it arrived, and the TONU term in the rate confirmation or agreement. The request should explain the capacity and miles committed before cancellation.
Detention is a time-window claim
Detention normally depends on an appointment, arrival, free time, notice, release, and a rate or cap. The strongest record shows a timeline and the source of each timestamp.
Layover consumes an operating period
Layover can arise when a delay pushes pickup or delivery into another day or prevents the truck from using a meaningful block of capacity. Define the event in writing and do not assume an industry-standard amount.
Separate the event from the negotiation
The facts explain what occurred; the agreement and approval determine what is payable. Preserve both. If the terms are silent, escalate for a carrier decision before promising recovery.
Close every accessorial with a disposition
Track requested, approved, denied, invoiced, and paid amounts separately. A denial should retain its reason and the evidence used, improving the next RateCon review and facility playbook.
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