TONU (Truck Order Not Used): TONU stands for truck order not used. It is a fee a broker or shipper pays a carrier when a confirmed load is cancelled after the truck has been dispatched or has arrived.
Why it matters to owner operators
It compensates you for empty miles and lost time. Confirm whether the TONU amount is stated on the rate confirmation and what proof the broker needs, such as arrival time.
Example
You drive 120 miles to a pickup and the shipper cancels the order. With a TONU agreed in advance, the broker pays a set fee for your wasted trip.
Related terms
Business & Finance: Questions about invoicing, fees or getting paid on time? Our dispatch team handles invoicing and broker follow-up for the carriers we work with. Talk to our dispatch team or browse the full trucking glossary.
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