ChargeGuard is an automated detention and accessorial charge recovery platform designed specifically for small-to-midsize US trucking carriers. If you're an owner-operator or run a fleet of up to 200 trucks, ChargeGuard turns the timestamped evidence you already have into documented, submission-ready claims—so you can stop relying on dispatchers reconstructing detention from memory after the fact.
You already have the data—arrival and departure timestamps from your ELDs, geofence alerts, or driver logs. ChargeGuard applies the specific free-time and accessorial terms for each load, broker, or shipper to that data, then generates a documented claim or invoice ready for submission. No more manual reconstruction, no more missed charges.
The driver checks in at the shipper’s dock, the clock starts ticking against the load’s free-time allowance, and every minute past that point is money the carrier is owed. Without precise, real-time documentation of detention time, those minutes slip away uncollected. ChargeGuard ensures that every minute of detention is captured, documented, and billed—so carriers get paid for the time they’re stuck waiting.
Detention refers to the time a driver spends waiting at a shipper or receiver location beyond the agreed-upon free time. This free time is typically defined in the contract between the carrier and the broker or shipper. For example, if a load allows for 2 hours of free time and the driver waits 3 hours, the extra hour is considered detention time. Detention charges are meant to compensate the carrier for the driver's time and the truck's downtime, which could otherwise be used for another load.
A layover occurs when a driver is held overnight or for an extended period awaiting a load, distinct from detention at a single stop. Layover charges compensate the carrier for the driver's time and the truck's downtime during this extended wait. Unlike detention, which is typically charged by the hour, layover charges are often a flat fee for each day or partial day the driver is held. This distinction is important for accurate billing and recovery of accessorial charges.
TONU, or Truck Order Not Used, is a fee charged when a scheduled pickup is cancelled after the truck has already been dispatched. This fee compensates the carrier for the time and resources spent preparing for and traveling to the pickup location. TONU charges are typically outlined in the carrier's contract with the broker or shipper and can vary based on the distance traveled and the time spent en route.
Lumper fees are charges for third-party dock labor used to load or unload a truck. These fees are often overlooked but can add up quickly, especially for carriers who frequently handle freight that requires additional labor. Other accessorial charges include stop-off fees (for additional stops not originally agreed upon) and redelivery fees (for failed delivery attempts). These charges are often owed but rarely tracked systematically, leading to significant revenue leaks for carriers.
From timestamp to invoice, we automate the detention and accessorial charge recovery process.
Arrival and departure at each shipper or receiver stop is captured from your ELD/telematics feed or uploaded documentation.
The specific free-time and accessorial terms for that load, broker, or shipper are applied -- not a generic default.
Detention and accessorial charges are calculated automatically from the captured timestamps and applicable terms.
A submission-ready claim or invoice is produced, with the evidence attached, ready for you to send.
ChargeGuard delivers a fully documented claim or invoice, with all the supporting evidence attached and the specific broker or shipper's agreed terms clearly cited. You review the claim, confirm the details, and then submit it directly. No more reconstructing detention times from memory or paper logs—everything you need is right there, grounded in the actual terms you agreed to with the broker or shipper.
No enterprise bloat, no hidden fees, no unnecessary complexity
ChargeGuard applies the specific free-time and accessorial terms you actually have with each broker or shipper, not a generic default rule.
Seamlessly integrates with your current ELD/telematics data or uploaded documentation—no system overhaul required.
Automates the entire detention and accessorial charge recovery process, so you don’t have to chase claims manually.
ChargeGuard captures detention and accessorial time by applying carrier-provided data such as ELD/telematics feeds, geofence detection, or driver/dispatcher-submitted timestamps to the specific free-time and accessorial terms that apply to each load. This generates a documented claim or invoice ready for submission.
Yes, ChargeGuard is designed to work with or without an existing TMS. It can process carrier-uploaded documentation, manual entry, or CSV uploads, making it accessible for carriers without a TMS.
ChargeGuard uses timestamped evidence from ELD/telematics data or driver/dispatcher inputs to create a documented claim. This evidence is applied against the specific terms of each broker or shipper to ensure accuracy and provide a clear basis for claims.
ChargeGuard is specifically designed for small-to-midsize carriers (1-200 trucks), helping them recover detention and accessorial charges they might otherwise miss due to manual tracking challenges. It offers a cost-effective solution tailored to their needs.
ChargeGuard automates the process of capturing and documenting detention/accessorial time, reducing manual effort and increasing accuracy. It applies specific terms to each load and generates submission-ready claims, unlike manual tracking methods that are time-consuming and prone to errors.
For more information, visit our homepage or contact us directly. We’re here to answer any questions you may have about how ChargeGuard can benefit your fleet.
Recover the detention and accessorial charges you're currently missing with ChargeGuard. Join the waitlist now and start collecting what you're owed.
Tell us a bit about your business. We onboard new carriers on a rolling basis and will follow up as capacity opens up.
qiyadon