What Is TONU in Trucking? A Guide for Freight Brokers

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What it is: TONU (Truck Ordered Not Used) is a charge when a truck is dispatched but the load is canceled or not ready upon arrival.
Common causes: Shipper cancellations after dispatch, loads not ready, incorrect pickup info, overbooking, weather/emergencies, or wrong equipment ordered.
Typical fees: $150–$300 for dry vans, over $300 for reefers/flatbeds, and upwards of $500 for heavy haul—varying by miles and market demand.
Who pays: Usually the shipper covers TONU; brokers pay if they provided bad info; carriers for their own errors, all per contract terms.
Collection process: Carrier sends a TONU invoice to the broker, broker pays (15–30 days), then bills the responsible party for reimbursement.
Avoidance tips: Confirm load details upfront, communicate clearly, vet shippers, verify equipment needs, include TONU clauses in agreements, and plan for delays.

Accessorial charges are common in the trucking industry. They cover special services, delays, or unexpected situations during shipping.

One of those accessorial charges is TONU, which stands for “Truck Ordered Not Used.” It comes into play when a truck is booked but not used for the load.

In this guide, we’ll break down what TONU means, why it happens, who pays for it, and how you can handle it the right way as a broker.

What Does TONU Mean in the Trucking Industry?

TONU in trucking refers to a charge that occurs when a truck is ordered to pick up a load, but the shipment is canceled or isn’t ready when the driver arrives. In short, the truck was booked, but it wasn’t used.

Carriers lose time and money when this happens. They could have used that time to take another paying load, so TONU fees are a way for carriers to recover some of that lost income.

Common Reasons for TONU Charges

TONU charges can occur for various reasons. Here are the main ones:

The shipper cancels the load after dispatch

The shipper books a load, the carrier accepts, and the driver gets moving. Then, suddenly, the customer cancels. This is the most common reason for a TONU fee. The truck was already scheduled, and the driver’s time had to be compensated.

The load isn’t ready for pickup

Sometimes, the load isn’t ready when the driver arrives at the pick-up location. Maybe it’s still being packed, or the paperwork isn’t complete. If the delay is long enough for the carrier to leave or miss other opportunities, they may charge TONU.

Incorrect information provided by the shipper

TONU may apply when a truck driver arrives as expected but can’t complete the pickup because of the wrong address, time, or contact information.

Overbooking

In some cases, the shipper or broker might overbook trucks or double-book shipments. If they realize their mistake after dispatching, the driver is left without a load, and TONU helps recover that lost time.

Weather or emergency conditions causing cancellations

Sometimes, delays or cancellations occur due to weather, road closures, or other emergencies. While these situations may not be anyone’s fault, TONU charges can still apply depending on the agreement between the broker, shipper, and carrier.

Wrong equipment ordered

A load might require specialized equipment like a refrigerated trailer (reefer) or flatbed. If the wrong type of truck is ordered and can’t take the load, the carrier loses time, and TONU fees help cover that loss.

How Much Does TONU Cost?

There’s no fixed industry-wide rate. Instead, TONU fees depend on the type of truck and the miles driven before the cancellation occurred.

For standard dry vans or box trucks, TONU charges usually range between $150 and $300, with many averaging around $250.
For specialized equipment, like refrigerated trailers (reefers), flatbeds, or oversized trailers, the fee ranges can exceed $300.
For heavy haul, TONU charges can exceed $500, depending on the situation.

Market conditions can also affect TONU rates, especially during busy seasons or tight truck capacity. In high-demand periods, carriers may charge higher fees to cover lost opportunities.

Who Pays for TONU? The Shipper, Broker, or Carrier?

Issues can occur at any point in the supply chain. Who pays for TONU varies depending on the party that caused the problem.

As we’ve seen earlier, most TONU situations happen because of issues on the shipper’s end, like last-minute cancellations, loads not being ready, or booking mistakes. This is why, in many cases, the shipper is responsible for covering the TONU fee.

Freight brokers may have to pay the TONU fee if they give the carrier incorrect information, send the truck to the wrong location, or fail to confirm the load details properly. If it’s the broker’s mistake, the responsibility falls on them.

If the carrier makes an error, like showing up on the wrong date, arriving hours late, or bringing the wrong equipment, they may lose the right to claim a TONU fee.

Why having contracts matters

The best way for all parties to protect themselves is to include clear TONU terms in their contracts.

Broker-carrier agreements should explain when TONU applies and how much will be charged.
Rate confirmations should include TONU clauses before the truck is dispatched.
Agreements with shippers should state that they are responsible for TONU charges in cases of canceled loads.

It’s easier to avoid disputes when everyone is on the same page about the rules. To learn more about legal processes and how to protect your business in the trucking industry, join our 90-Day Freight Broker Course.

How Carriers Collect TONU Charges

The process for collecting the payment usually follows the standard routine outlined below:

The carrier will send the broker an invoice for the TONU fee, just as they would for hauling a regular load.
The rate confirmation serves as proof that both parties agreed to the TONU charge before dispatch.
Once the TONU invoice is received, the broker pays the carrier. If the TONU was the shipper’s fault, the broker will collect reimbursement from the shipper. The payment usually occurs within 15 to 30 days.

How to Avoid TONU Charges as a Freight Broker in the Trucking Industry

Here are some practical steps to help you avoid TONU charges and keep your freight brokerage running smoothly.

Confirm all load details with the shipper before booking to avoid surprises when shipping goods.
Communicate every shipment detail clearly to the carrier, including the contact persons and delivery date.
Work with reliable shippers who respect carrier time and avoid last-minute cancellations.
Keep clear records of all load confirmations and communication.
Get proper training from courses like the 90-Day Freight Broker Course to avoid common mistakes that lead to TONU charges.
Verify equipment requirements to prevent mismatches at pickup.
Build strong relationships with both shippers and carriers to reduce risks.
Before dispatching a truck, plan ahead by checking for possible delays like weather, road closures, or warehouse issues. Proper planning helps you prevent unexpected problems.

FAQs

1. What other accessorial charges are there besides TONU?

Common ones include:

Detention fees for delays at pickup or delivery.
Layover fees for overnight delays.
Lumper fees for hiring third-party labor to load or unload freight.
Fuel surcharges to cover fluctuating fuel costs.
Redelivery fees if the first delivery attempt fails and another trip is required.

2. How should TONU be addressed in broker-carrier agreements?

TONU should be clearly defined in broker‑carrier agreements or rate confirmations. Agreements should specify:

When TONU applies (e.g., cancellations after dispatch, late pickups)
Fee amount or calculation method
Invoicing and payment procedures

Including these terms in written agreements protects both parties and ensures everyone understands their responsibilities.

3. Can TONU charges be negotiated between brokers and carriers?

Yes, TONU charges are often negotiable. Factors like the distance traveled to the pickup location, equipment type, and relationship history between the broker and carrier can affect the final amount.

Final Thoughts

TONU is part of doing business in the freight industry, but you can manage it effectively with the right knowledge and strategies. By understanding TONU charges and how to handle them, you’ll be better prepared to grow a successful brokerage while saving money.

Want a complete guide to setting up and running your freight brokerage? Join the 90-Day Freight Broker Course and learn how to find shippers, work safely with trucking companies, avoid costly mistakes like TONU, and boost your profits.

Join the course today to get started.

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