How long brokers have to pay, and getting paid for TONU and detention

No federal rule sets a deadline for a broker to pay a carrier. Payment timing comes from your contract: the rate confirmation and any broker-carrier agreement. Net 30 is common; quick-pay programs pay faster for a fee.

Know your terms before you haul

• Payment terms (e.g., 30 days from receipt of POD and invoice) and what paperwork starts the clock.
• Quick-pay fee, if any, and whether you factor (send the broker your factoring company's Notice of Assignment).

Your right to the transaction record

Under 49 CFR 371.3, brokers must keep a record of each transaction, and each party to it has the right to review it. That can help you check what the shipper paid and resolve disputes.

Detention, TONU and other accessorials

• Get the amounts in writing on the rate con: detention after how many free hours and at what hourly rate, TONU amount, layover, lumper reimbursement.
• Document times: arrival and departure at pickup and delivery (ELD, check-in sheets, timestamps on the BOL).
• Notify the broker as soon as detention starts, and get the approval in writing.
• Invoice accessorials with the load or right after, with the supporting documents.

RatedPaid reports include accessorials so carriers can see which brokers pay detention and TONU.

Last reviewed 2026-10-25. General information, not legal advice. More guides · Check a broker