Accessorial Charges
The term "accessorial" originates from the concept of contributing to or aiding an activity or process, in this case, the shipping of goods. These charges are not included in the base freight rate and are typically added to the invoice for services such as liftgate assistance, hazardous material handling, etc.
Accessorial charges can include but are not limited to the following:
Fuel Surcharges: These are common and variable, based on fuel prices to offset rising costs.
Inside Delivery: Involves taking packages inside the recipient's premises, useful for heavy or sensitive items.
Detention Fees: Charged when drivers are kept waiting beyond scheduled times for loading or unloading.
Oversized Item Fees: Applied to shipments that exceed standard size or weight limits.
Reconsignment Fees: Incurred when the delivery destination is changed after pickup.
Accessorial charges are applied to compensate carriers for the extra resources, time, or complexity involved in handling shipments that require more than standard services. This includes additional labor, specialized equipment, or extended storage. For instance, if a shipment requires delivery to a residential area without a loading dock, a liftgate service might be necessary, incurring an accessorial charge.
These additional charges can add up and significantly increase the total shipping cost. Negotiating rates for frequent accessorial charges, especially for high-volume shipments, helps avoid surprise fees and manage shipping costs.
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