Accessorial Charges Guide
What accessorials are, how they work, and how they affect your freight costs.
What Are Accessorial Charges?
Accessorial charges are fees for services beyond the standard pickup, transportation, and delivery of freight. They cover additional labor, equipment, or handling required to complete a shipment. Accessorials are a normal part of freight shipping and apply when conditions at the pickup or delivery location, or the nature of the freight, require extra resources.
Understanding common accessorials helps you plan shipments more accurately, avoid unexpected charges, and make informed decisions about which services you actually need.
Liftgate Service
A hydraulic lift on the back of a truck used to raise or lower freight between ground level and the truck bed. Liftgate is required when the pickup or delivery location does not have a loading dock or forklift available.
When it applies:
Liftgate charges apply at pickup, delivery, or both — each direction is typically billed separately. This is one of the most common accessorials for shipments going to or from locations without dock access.
Inside Delivery (or Inside Pickup)
The carrier moves freight beyond the tailgate or loading dock into the interior of a building. Standard delivery is to the dock or curbside only — anything beyond that is considered inside delivery.
When it applies:
Inside delivery charges apply when freight must be moved into a specific room, floor, or area within a facility. Stairs, elevators, and long carry distances may incur additional fees.
Residential Delivery (or Residential Pickup)
Delivery to or pickup from a residential address rather than a commercial or industrial facility. Residential locations typically lack loading docks and may have narrow streets or driveways that limit truck access.
When it applies:
Carriers classify an address as residential based on zoning data. Even home-based businesses may be classified as residential. This charge is typically non-negotiable once the location is confirmed as residential.
Limited Access
A location that is difficult for a standard freight truck to access due to physical constraints or security requirements. Examples include construction sites, military bases, schools, churches, mines, prisons, and self-storage facilities.
When it applies:
Limited access fees are assessed based on the type and location of the pickup or delivery site. If you are unsure whether your location qualifies as limited access, describe it when requesting your quote.
Hazmat Handling
The transportation of hazardous materials that require special packaging, labeling, placarding, and documentation as defined by DOT regulations. Hazmat shipments must be handled by certified drivers and may be restricted on certain routes.
When it applies:
Hazmat surcharges apply to any shipment containing materials classified under the DOT hazardous materials table. Fees vary by hazmat class, quantity, and carrier. Proper documentation including a shipper's declaration and safety data sheets must accompany the shipment.
Temperature-Controlled (Protect from Freeze / Reefer)
A service that maintains freight within a specified temperature range during transit using a refrigerated (reefer) trailer or protect-from-freeze blankets. This is essential for perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other temperature-sensitive products.
When it applies:
Temperature-controlled charges apply whenever freight requires a specific temperature range during transport. Reefer trailers command a higher rate than dry vans. Protect-from-freeze service (using insulated blankets) is typically less expensive than full refrigeration.
Detention / Driver Wait Time
A charge assessed when a driver is held at a pickup or delivery location beyond the standard free time, typically two hours. Detention compensates the carrier for lost productivity and the opportunity cost of keeping the truck idle.
When it applies:
Detention is billed in increments (often per 15 or 30 minutes) after the free time expires. To avoid detention charges, have your freight ready for loading before the driver arrives and ensure staff is available to unload at delivery.
Appointment / Notification
A service where the carrier schedules a specific delivery window with the consignee in advance. Some facilities require appointments for all deliveries to manage dock scheduling and labor.
When it applies:
Appointment fees are charged when the delivery location requires a scheduled time window. Notification charges apply when the carrier must call ahead before delivery. Let us know about these requirements when booking.
Redelivery
A charge assessed when a delivery attempt fails and the carrier must return to make a second attempt. Common causes include the consignee not being available, refusal of the shipment, or incorrect delivery information.
When it applies:
Redelivery fees are charged per additional attempt. To avoid them, ensure the consignee is aware of the delivery date, the address is correct, and someone is available to receive and sign for the freight.
Tarp Service
A protective covering placed over freight on a flatbed trailer to shield it from rain, wind, snow, and road debris during transit. Tarps are made of heavy-duty material and are secured with straps.
When it applies:
Tarp charges apply to flatbed shipments where the freight cannot be exposed to weather. The fee is based on the number of tarps required and the size of the load.
How Accessorials Affect Your Shipping Costs
Accessorial charges are added on top of the base freight rate and can significantly impact total shipping costs. Each accessorial has its own fee structure — some are flat rates while others are billed by the hour or by weight.
The best way to manage accessorial costs is to declare all required services when requesting your quote. This ensures your quoted rate includes everything and eliminates surprise charges after delivery.
If you are unsure whether an accessorial applies to your shipment, describe your pickup and delivery locations in detail when requesting a quote. Our team will identify any accessorials that may be needed and include them in your rate upfront.
Pro Tip
Not sure if your location has dock access? Check with the receiving facility before booking. Knowing whether you need liftgate, inside delivery, or appointment scheduling before the shipment moves saves time, money, and frustration for everyone involved.
Need Help With Your Shipment?
Our team can identify the accessorials you need and build them into your quote upfront.