Freight Accessorial Charges in Transportation

Freight shipping costs are rarely as simple as the base transportation rate. Beyond the standard fees for moving goods from point A to point B, there are extra charges that can apply depending on the circumstances of the shipment. These additional costs are known as freight accessorial charges, and they play a significant role in the overall logistics budget for many businesses. Knowing what they mean and when they apply can prevent costly surprises on invoices.

What are Freight Accessorial Charges?

The meaning of freight accessorial charges is straightforward: they are additional fees applied by carriers for services that go beyond standard transportation. In other words, if the shipment requires extra handling, equipment, or time, an accessorial fee may be added. These charges are not hidden fees; they are industry-standard practices meant to cover the costs of services that are outside of the carrier’s basic line-haul transportation.

List of Accessorial Charges

Accessorial charges vary depending on the type of freight, carrier policies, and shipping conditions. Some of the most common ones include:

• Inside delivery or pickup – When a driver must move freight beyond the loading dock, such as inside a warehouse or office.
• Liftgate service – When a truck without a loading dock requires special equipment to lower heavy items to the ground.
• Residential delivery – When freight is delivered to a home or non-commercial location, requiring special handling.
• Detention charges – When a driver is kept waiting longer than the free time allowed for loading or unloading.
• Reconsignment or redelivery – When the freight must be redirected or delivered again after an initial attempt.
• Hazardous materials handling – When transporting dangerous goods that require special documentation and precautions.
• Limited access delivery – When the delivery location is difficult to reach, such as schools, construction sites, or military bases.

Accessorial Charges Examples

To better understand these charges, consider a few real-world scenarios. A business orders a large shipment of office furniture, but the delivery location has no loading dock. The carrier must use a liftgate to unload the freight, adding a liftgate service fee. In another case, a driver arrives at a busy warehouse where staff takes several hours to complete unloading. Because the wait time exceeds the standard allowance, the carrier applies detention charges. Similarly, when a shipment of cleaning chemicals is transported, a hazardous materials handling fee is added to cover the extra safety measures required.

These examples show that accessorial charges are not random; they reflect additional work, time, or equipment that carriers must provide. Businesses that ship regularly can save money by anticipating these charges, arranging for proper facilities, and planning deliveries more efficiently.

FAQs

Why do carriers charge accessorial fees?

Carriers apply accessorial charges to cover the cost of services that go beyond normal transportation, such as extra handling, special equipment, or delays.

Can accessorial charges be negotiated?

Yes, many carriers allow businesses to negotiate accessorial fees, especially if they ship regularly or have a contract agreement.

How can shippers avoid unexpected accessorial charges?

Clear communication with carriers, accurate shipment details, and preparing loading/unloading areas can help reduce or prevent these fees.

Are accessorial charges the same across all carriers?

No, each carrier has its own pricing structure and rules. While the types of accessorial charges are similar, the actual rates can vary significantly.