October 24, 2025
Accessorial Pay: Don’t Leave Money on the Table
Now that you know how to read your rate confirmation and why every line matters, it’s time to explore another area where many drivers miss out: accessorial pay. This is one of the biggest gaps between what drivers should be earning and what they actually bring home. And often, it’s not because the money isn’t available. It’s because drivers either don’t track it, don’t know they’re entitled to it, or don’t know how to request it properly.
So let’s break it down.
What Is Accessorial Pay?
Accessorial pay is any pay you receive beyond the line-haul rate. It compensates you for your time, labor, and inconvenience outside of just driving from Point A to Point B. Common accessorials include:
- Detention pay (if loading or unloading takes longer than expected)
- Layover pay (when you’re stuck waiting until the next day or longer)
- Driver assist or loading/unloading
- Tarping pay (common in flatbed)
- Reweigh and scale fees
- Stop pay or multi-drop pay
- Drop and hook compensation
- TONU (Truck Order Not Used)
While the amounts vary by broker, shipper, and region, one thing stays the same: if you don’t ask for it, you usually won’t get it.
[Related: How Truck Drivers Get Paid]
The Key to Getting Paid: Documentation
Accessorial pay is rarely automatic. To claim it, you’ll need proof. That means documenting everything:
- Write down your in and out times at shippers and receivers.
- Get someone to sign off on the Proof of Delivery (POD) and make notes on it if there were delays.
- Take photos of wait time screens, dock time boards, or long lines if needed.
- Save fuel receipts, scale tickets, and tarping supplies purchases.
- And most importantly, follow the instructions listed in the rate confirmation.
If the rate con says you must notify the broker within 30 minutes of a delay, set a timer and make that call. If it says detention starts after 2 hours but requires check-in time stamps, get them. Your paperwork is your paycheck here.
Communication Is Your Best Tool
Even if you’re entitled to the pay, you still need to communicate, and email is your best friend. Why? Because:
- It creates a paper trail.
- It proves that you followed the required steps.
- It prevents the classic “We never knew you were waiting” excuse later.
A simple template you can use:
Hi, just confirming I’ve been at the receiver since 8:12 AM. Please note for possible detention. I will update again upon departure.
Short, simple, professional, and now it’s on record. And don’t be shy about following up. You earned it.
Where Motor Carrier HQ Fits In
If managing paperwork, negotiating terms, or keeping track of these rules feels overwhelming you’re not alone. Many drivers are great at the driving part, but have never had anyone teach them the business side. That’s where Motor Carrier HQ can help. Their team works with carriers of all sizes to help them run smarter, more profitable operations. They’ll teach you how to understand your paperwork, track expenses properly, negotiate confidently, and build systems that make sure you’re actually getting paid what you’re owed. When you treat trucking like a business, your business starts paying you like one, and MCHQ helps you do exactly that.