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What is an Accessorial Charge in Trucking
Accessorial charges refer to extra fees or surcharges imposed by trucking companies for services provided beyond standard freight transportation. These charges compensate carriers for additional efforts, resources, or specialized services required to meet specific customer needs or handle unique circumstances during the shipping process. Lets see what are the common accessorial charges.
Common Types of Accessorial Charges
Liftgate Service: This charge applies when a shipment requires the use of a hydraulic liftgate on the truck to load or unload cargo at locations without a dock or for heavy items that cannot be manually handled.
Inside Delivery: When freight needs to be delivered beyond the usual drop-off point, such as inside a building or specific room, carriers may levy an inside delivery charge.
Detention or Waiting Time: If the loading or unloading process exceeds the agreed-upon time limits, carriers may impose detention charges to compensate for the additional time spent by their drivers.
Learn more about Detention here.Residential Delivery: Delivering goods to residential areas often incurs additional costs due to limited access, narrow streets, and specific delivery requirements. Carriers may apply a residential delivery charge to account for these factors.
Redelivery: If a carrier attempts delivery but is unsuccessful due to recipient unavailability or incorrect address information, a redelivery charge may be imposed for subsequent delivery attempts.
Storage: If a shipment cannot be delivered immediately upon arrival at its destination and needs to be stored in a carrier’s facility, storage fees may be applicable based on the duration of storage.
Hazardous Materials Handling: Transportation of hazardous materials involves additional safety measures and compliance with regulations. Carriers may charge extra for handling and transporting such goods.
Fuel Surcharge: As fuel prices fluctuate, carriers may apply a fuel surcharge to account for the increased cost of transportation.
Impact and Considerations
Accessorial charges have implications for both shippers and carriers. For shippers, understanding these charges upfront allows for accurate budgeting and cost estimations for transportation. It also emphasizes the importance of providing accurate and detailed information about the shipment to avoid unexpected fees.
Carriers, on the other hand, rely on accessorial charges to account for the additional time, equipment, or specialized services required. These charges help them ensure profitability and cover the costs associated with providing the requested services.
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