How ELDs Help Truckers Get the Detention Pay They Deserve

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction – “This Ain’t Just About Beeping Boxes”

You ever sit at a dock for six hours while the warehouse staff moves like they’re stuck in molasses… and then get paid like you were on break?

Yeah. That part.

But here’s the thing: those little electronic logs everybody grumbled about? Turns out ELDs (Electronic Logging Devices) might just be your best ally in getting detention pay you’re owed — if you know how to use them right.

Let’s break down how ELDs are helping truckers turn time-wasting nonsense into actual compensation. And no, this ain’t some tech worship blog — this is straight-up real talk for real truckers.

Key Points – “From Tattletale Tech to Truckers’ Timekeeper”

1. ELDs provide bulletproof proof of your time
Before ELDs, it was your word against the shipper’s. Now? Your log says when you arrived, when you left, and how long you sat. That data doesn’t lie — and it gives you leverage.

2. Automated logs = Less paperwork BS
Nobody wants to flip through logbooks or fight dispatch with scribbled notes. ELDs track it all automatically, making it easier to file for detention — especially if your company has a system in place.

3. Shippers are starting to feel the heat
Some companies still treat truckers like rolling storage units. But shippers who know ELDs are tracking everything? They’re starting to respect your time — or at least, pay for it when they waste it.

4. Companies can’t “lose the paperwork” anymore
You used to need signed docs and time stamps. Now your ELD backs you up with digital receipts. If dispatch tries to say, “We didn’t get that,” you say, “Cool. I’ll send you the file.”

5. It helps expose chronic detention offenders
ELDs give companies the data to identify which customers regularly tie up trucks. Some carriers are finally standing up and charging accessorial fees — because now they have proof of the problem.

Different Perspectives – “But Not Everybody’s

Celebratin’”

Not all truckers are singing hallelujah over this.

Some say:

"Yeah, ELDs record the time, but good luck getting the company to pay."

"It’s just more surveillance without any real benefit."

"Detention pay rates are still a joke — like $15/hour after 2 free hours. Really?"

And they ain’t wrong.

BUT, this tech still gives you more ammo than you had before. It’s not perfect — but it’s powerful if you use it right and push your carrier to stand up for your time.

Industry Response – “Some Carriers Still Sleepin’, Others Wakin’ Up”

🚛 Forward-thinking carriers:

Are using ELD reports to bill shippers properly

Are automating detention claims

Are actually cutting drivers in on those fees

🛌 Old-school carriers:

Still treating drivers like time don’t matter

Still afraid to rock the boat with big shipping contracts

Still expect you to “just roll with it”

But here's the deal — when drivers start comparing notes, bad practices get exposed. If you're stuck with a company that ignores detention abuse while pocketing ELD-based pay, you’ve got choices now.

Bottom Line – “Your Clock = Your Cash”

ELDs ain’t perfect. They don’t load your trailer, cook your lunch, or fix busted dispatchers.

But they do document your time with receipts — and that alone gives you leverage.

So if you’re not already:

Using ELD data to request detention pay

Pushing dispatch to submit those claims

Keeping track of customers who burn your hours

…then you’re probably missing out on money that’s already yours.

💰Call to Action – Don’t Just Drive… Profit

Sick of waiting on docks for peanuts? Then don’t just log your time — leverage it.

And while you're at it, don’t forget: you can be building income while you’re off duty too. Learn how to stack side cash without quitting the road.

👉 Visit OffDutyMoney.com
and start learning how truckers are using AI and online tools to build their exit plan — or just make more while still hauling.