How it works
A dry run happens when the truck shows up and cannot do the job. Common causes: a car parked in front of the container, a gate locked, a container overloaded past the fill line, hazardous or prohibited material inside, or a delivery spot that is not actually accessible for the truck.
The driver documents the attempt, usually with a photo and a note, and the office bills a dry-run fee. Amounts and policies vary by company and should be stated in the rental agreement.
Why it matters for your business
A dry run costs real money. The truck burned fuel, the driver spent time, and the stop that should have been revenue was not. On a tight route, one failed stop can push every following job late.
The fee exists to recover that cost, but it also creates friction. The best approach is fewer dry runs, not more fee collection.
Ways to cut them down:
- Confirm placement details at booking: where the container goes, gate codes, overhead clearance.
- Send a reminder before pickup day that asks the customer to clear access.
- Collect photos or a site note when the order is placed.
- Make it easy to reschedule by text before the truck rolls.
This is where software earns its keep. Automated reminders and two-way messaging reduce the “nobody told me” excuse, and photo records from the driver app protect you in a dispute. A good CRM also keeps a note on addresses that have repeat access problems.
Common questions
Is a dry-run fee always charged?
No. Many companies waive it for first-time customers or when the fault was theirs and fixed quickly. That is a business decision.
How do I avoid arguments about it?
Disclose the policy in the quote and agreement, and send the driver’s photo with the invoice.
Is it the same as a trip charge?
Often, yes. Different companies use different names for the same idea.