Definition:
Accessorial charges are additional fees incurred for services beyond the standard transportation of goods, such as loading/unloading, detention, fuel surcharges, or equipment use. These charges are applied by carriers to cover the cost of extra tasks that fall outside the basic freight rate.
What are Accessorial Charges?
Accessorial charges are supplementary costs in logistics and freight operations. They account for extra services that require additional time, labor, or resources. For example, if a driver must wait beyond the standard unloading time, a detention fee may apply. Similarly, charges for liftgate services or residential delivery may also be included. These fees ensure that carriers are compensated fairly for non-standard requirements, and they provide transparency in cost allocation. Accessorial charges vary based on the nature of the shipment, the type of service, and the agreements between shippers and carriers.
Use Cases of Accessorial Charges:
- Detention Fees:
Charged when a driver waits beyond the allowable time for loading or unloading. - Liftgate Services:
Applied when specialized equipment is used to load or unload goods at locations without docks. - Residential Delivery Fees:
Added for deliveries made to residential addresses, which may require extra effort or time. - Re-delivery Fees:
Charged when an initial delivery attempt fails, requiring another attempt. - Fuel Surcharges:
Imposed to account for fluctuating fuel prices impacting transportation costs. - Hazardous Material Handling:
Additional charges for shipping goods classified as dangerous or requiring special precautions. - After-Hours Delivery:
Applied when deliveries occur outside normal business hours.
