Live unload (or live load) means the truck driver stays with their trailer while it’s being loaded or unloaded at a facility. The driver waits in or near their cab until the process is complete, then immediately departs with the trailer.
How Live Unload Works
Process
Driver arrives
↓
Checks in at gate/office
↓
Assigned dock door
↓
Backs into dock
↓
WAITS while loading/unloading occurs
↓
Paperwork completed
↓
Released from dock
↓
Departs with trailer
Typical Timeline
Arrival: 8:00 AM
Check-in: 8:15 AM
At dock: 8:30 AM
Unloading: 8:30 - 10:30 AM (2 hours)
Paperwork: 10:30 - 10:45 AM
Departure: 10:45 AM
Total time at facility: 2 hours 45 minutes
Live Unload vs. Drop Trailer
| Factor |
Live Unload |
Drop Trailer |
| Driver waits |
Yes |
No |
| Trailer stays |
No |
Yes |
| Time at facility |
Hours |
Minutes |
| Detention risk |
High |
None |
| Scheduling |
Fixed |
Flexible |
| Typical cost |
No trailer fee |
Trailer fee |
Why Live Unload Is Used
Carrier Perspective
- Maintain trailer control
- Avoid trailer fees
- Single driver handles full trip
- Simpler logistics
Shipper Perspective
- No trailer storage needed
- No trailer tracking
- Clear accountability
- Quick turnaround facilities
When Required
- No yard space for trailers
- Small shipments (quick unload)
- Infrequent deliveries
- LTL freight
- Customer requirement
Live Unload Challenges
Driver Detention
Free time: 2 hours (typical)
Actual time: 4 hours
Detention: 4 - 2 = 2 hours
Charge: 2 × $75/hour = $150
Impact on Drivers
- Lost driving time
- Hours of Service (HOS) consumed
- Fatigue waiting
- Schedule disruption
Impact on Carriers
- Reduced productivity
- Higher costs (detention)
- Scheduling challenges
- Driver dissatisfaction
Detention Costs
Typical Rates
| Time Over Free Time |
Typical Charge |
| 1 hour |
$50-$100 |
| 2 hours |
$100-$200 |
| Half day (4+ hours) |
$200-$400 |
| Full day |
$400-$800 |
Avoiding Detention
- Accurate appointment scheduling
- Adequate staffing
- Efficient dock operations
- Pre-staged freight
- Quick paperwork
Best Practices for Live Unload
For Shippers/Receivers
| Practice |
Benefit |
| Appointment scheduling |
Reduce wait time |
| Adequate staffing |
Fast unloading |
| Pre-check documentation |
No delays |
| Staging areas |
Quick turnaround |
| Communication |
Set expectations |
For Carriers
| Practice |
Benefit |
| Confirm appointments |
Avoid long waits |
| Track detention |
Bill accurately |
| Document everything |
Support claims |
| Plan routes |
Account for load time |
Live Unload Scheduling
Appointment Systems
Dock appointments:
8:00 AM - Carrier A (Live unload)
10:00 AM - Carrier B (Live unload)
1:00 PM - Carrier C (Live unload)
Window: 2 hours each
Factors in Scheduling
- Unload time estimate
- Dock availability
- Staffing levels
- Equipment availability
- Carrier preferences
Live Unload Operations
Efficient Unloading
- Have dock ready before arrival
- Personnel assigned immediately
- Equipment staged
- Documentation prepared
- Quick inspection process
Reducing Live Time
| Action |
Time Savings |
| Pre-stage equipment |
15 min |
| Prepared paperwork |
10 min |
| Dedicated dock team |
20 min |
| Clear procedures |
15 min |
Live Unload in Different Contexts
LTL Freight
- Multiple stops per truck
- Quick unloads expected
- Tight schedules
- Standard for LTL
Truckload (FTL)
- Full trailer to unload
- Takes longer (2-4 hours)
- Detention more common
- Drop trailer often better
Retail/Distribution
- High volumes
- Appointment systems
- Strict detention policies
- Efficiency focus
Key Metrics
| Metric |
Target |
| Average dock time |
<2 hours |
| Detention frequency |
<10% of loads |
| On-time unloading |
>90% |
| Appointment compliance |
>95% |
Tracking
Last week's performance:
- Trucks received: 50
- Average dock time: 2.1 hours
- Detention events: 4 (8%)
- Detention charges: $400