How to respond when a logistics company fails to pay you
This playbook helps independent contractors respond when a third-party logistics company delays payment, withholds earnings without explanation, or refuses to pay for completed work.
Main goal
Create a documented, written record of completed work and a clear demand for the money you earned under your agreement.
Best first move
Send a professional written inquiry referencing your contract, the work completed, and the amount owed — before escalating.
Do not do this
Do not stop working based solely on missing pay without first checking your agreement — this can create a breach of contract issue on your side.
Step-by-step playbook
1. Confirm the payment is actually late or withheld
Check your contractor agreement for payment schedules, processing windows, and any conditions that affect timing. Know exactly when payment was due and how many days have passed.
2. Document all work completed
Pull your delivery records, route completions, POD confirmations, timestamps, and any app or system data that confirms you performed the work they owe you for.
3. Send a written payment inquiry
Contact the company in writing — not just by phone. State the work completed, the amount owed, the due date, and ask for a specific explanation and timeline for payment.
4. Escalate to a formal demand letter
If your initial inquiry gets no real response, send a formal demand letter stating the amount owed, citing the agreement, and giving a clear deadline before further action.
5. File a complaint if they continue to stall
Consider filing with the BBB, applicable labor enforcement agencies, or initiating arbitration under your contractor agreement if non-payment continues without resolution.
6. Prepare for arbitration
Organize your evidence, timeline, and contract language into an arbitration-ready format. Non-payment cases can be strong when you have documented proof of completed work.
Gather these first
- Contractor agreement with payment terms
- Proof of completed work (POD, route confirmations, app data)
- Invoices or payment records showing amounts owed
- All communications about payment (emails, texts, app messages)
- History of prior payments for comparison
- Any notices or explanations the company gave for withholding pay
- Your own timeline of when work was done and when payment was due
Recommended next tools
Initial dispute email
Dispute KitA professional first-contact message that references the contract, states the amount owed, and requests a response.
Use This to Respond →Demand letter
Dispute KitEscalate with a formal written demand that sets a deadline and puts the company on notice for further action.
Use This to Respond →Arbitration prep
Case BuilderIf the company continues to ignore you, get your case organized and ready to file formally.
Prepare for ArbitrationClaimGuard Pro
Unlock the full dispute system
Templates, evidence tools, and arbitration prep — built for independent contractors. Dispute Kit starts at $39/month.