TONU is the most direct accessorial charge for cancellation failure. When a carrier accepts and dispatches a truck for a load, they have committed equipment, a driver's available hours, and the opportunity to book alternative freight. Cancelling after dispatch — especially after the truck is in transit or at the facility — imposes real costs on the carrier with no corresponding revenue.
TONU charges vary widely by carrier and are often negotiated as part of contract agreements. They typically reflect the carrier's cost for the dispatched driver's miles and time, plus some margin for the opportunity cost of the load that was displaced to cover this tender.
The practical distinction from a shipper's perspective: cancellations with adequate notice (24–48 hours, depending on the carrier) typically don't trigger TONU. Cancellations after the carrier has dispatched — particularly within four to six hours of pickup or after the driver arrives — almost always do.
TONU is also applied when a shipper tenders a load that cannot be picked up as presented: freight that doesn't match the booking description, freight that isn't available at the pickup address, or a facility that isn't accessible when the driver arrives. In these cases, the carrier has fulfilled their obligation (providing a truck) and the shipper has not (having freight ready to ship).
Good communication is the primary defense against TONU. If a load must be cancelled, informing the carrier as early as possible gives them time to find alternative freight and reduces or eliminates the charge. If freight availability or facility access becomes uncertain, alerting the carrier in advance is always the right move.