TONU trucking (truck ordered, not used)

In practice

You book a load, drive 90 miles empty to the shipper, and they tell you the freight isn't ready and won't be this week. With TONU terms on the rate con, you bill the TONU. Without them, you're arguing for something you never agreed in writing.

Booked

Tuesday 2 p.m.

Arrived at shipper

Wednesday 7 a.m.

Canceled

Wednesday 8:15 a.m.

Deadhead to shipper

90 mi

TONU on the rate con

$250

Proof

Check-in time, broker message

EXAMPLE values. Amounts and conditions vary by broker.

Getting a TONU paid

1. Get TONU terms on the rate con before you book: the amount and when it applies (after dispatch, or only on arrival).
2. Document the cancellation: the time you were dispatched, your arrival or check-in time, and the message from the broker or shipper.
3. Tell the broker right away, in writing, and ask them to confirm the TONU.
4. Invoice it like a load, with the proof attached.

Our rate confirmation guide shows where TONU sits next to detention and layover.

Is TONU the same as a dry run?

Very close. Many brokers use "dry run" for the same thing: a trip to a pickup that didn't produce a load. Some rate cons list both. See dry run.

What if the load is canceled before I leave?

Most TONU terms only apply once the truck is dispatched or has arrived, so an early cancellation usually pays nothing. Read the wording; it decides when the clock starts.

Is TONU the same as layover?

No. Layover pays when the load still moves, but a day late. TONU pays when the load doesn't move at all. Waiting past free time on a load that does move is detention.