Dry run (trucking)

In practice

You're dispatched to a pickup 120 miles away. When you arrive, the shipper says the order was canceled that morning. Nobody told you. That trip is a dry run.

Dispatched

Monday 5 a.m.

Miles to pickup

120

Arrived

Monday 7:30 a.m.

Result

Order canceled, no load

Dry run on the rate con

$200

Proof

Arrival time and shipper's note

EXAMPLE values. Amounts and conditions vary by broker.

Getting paid for a dry run

1. Have dry run or TONU terms on the rate con before you roll.
2. Record your arrival: check-in time, gate log or a photo with a timestamp.
3. Get the reason in writing from the shipper or broker.
4. Notify the broker right away and ask them to confirm the charge.
5. Invoice it with the proof.

Our rate confirmation guide shows where these terms usually sit.

Is a dry run the same as TONU?

In most rate cons, yes, or close to it. Both pay when you're dispatched and no load moves. Some brokers use one term; some list both. See TONU.

What if the load is only delayed, not canceled?

If it moves the next day, that's a layover. If you wait past free time the same day, that's detention.

Can I refuse a load after a dry run?

You can decline any load you haven't agreed to. A dry run usually means the load you agreed to didn't happen; any replacement load is a new agreement.