How to File a Detention Claim (From Start to Paid)

The Detention Claim Workflow Overview

Filing a detention claim is a 9-step process. Most drivers skip steps and never get paid. The secret: documentation, professional presentation, and follow-up. Brokers process hundreds of claims. The ones that look professional and complete get paid first. Here's the complete workflow from waiting to collecting.

Your Detention LogOpen

1. 1Step 0: Make sure detention terms are in your rate confirmation (see Negotiate Detention Pay guide)
2. 2Steps 1-3 happen automatically with TruckerProfit (ELD detection → claim generation → sending)
3. 3Steps 4-9 are manual follow-up to ensure payment

Step 1: Capture the Detention Event

1. 1Arrive at the facility and check in with the guard or receiver
2. 2Note the exact time you checked in — take a photo of the check-in screen or guard log
3. 3When loading/unloading is complete, note the exact time and take a photo of the BOL
4. 4If using TruckerProfit with ELD connected, this happens automatically via GPS tracking

Step 2: Create the Claim

1. 1Open TruckerProfit → Detention Claims → new events appear in 'Pending'
2. 2If detected automatically: review the event details (facility, check-in/out time, total hours)
3. 3If manual: click 'Log Detention Event' and enter facility name, city/state, check-in/out times
4. 4Add notes: load number, what happened, who you spoke to
5. 5Attach evidence photos from step 1

Step 3: Generate the Claim PDF

1. 1Click 'Claim' next to the event — TruckerProfit generates a professional PDF
2. 2The PDF includes: your MC/DOT info, broker info, event details, ELD logs (if connected), GPS evidence, photos
3. 3Preview the PDF — verify all information is correct
4. 4If no PDF is generated, click 'Generate PDF' to create one

Step 4: Send the Claim to the Broker

1. 1Click 'Send' — TruckerProfit opens an email dialog pre-filled with the claim details
2. 2Verify the broker's email address is correct
3. 3Add a brief note (optional): 'Claim attached for Load #12345 — please process at your earliest convenience'
4. 4Click Send — the claim is delivered as a PDF attachment

Step 5-7: Track, Follow Up, and Escalate

1. 1TruckerProfit tracks claim status: Pending → Sent → Overdue → Paid or Disputed
2. 2Follow up after 7 days if unpaid: 'Checking on detention claim sent on [date] for Load #[number]'
3. 3Escalate after 30 days: Email the broker's operations manager, then file an FMCSA complaint if ignored
4. 4Mark as Paid in TruckerProfit once payment is received — this helps auto-tune your detention rules

How TruckerProfit Helps

1. 1Auto-detects detention events from your connected ELD — no manual tracking required
2. 2Generates a professional claim PDF with ELD logs, GPS evidence, and carrier info
3. 3Sends the claim via email with one click — tracks all claim statuses automatically
4. 4Sends follow-up reminders for unpaid claims — escalates to 'overdue' at 30 days
5. 5Auto-tunes your detention rules based on actually paid claims for even more accurate detection