Understanding accessorial charges

Separate three types of charges

Distinguish the base transportation rate, accessorials requested at quote time and adjustments caused by changes in actual shipment or site conditions. Comparing base rates alone can omit necessary services.

Common items to review

• Liftgate service: confirm availability, freight dimensions and weight, ground conditions, and handling assistance. Liftgate service does not include inside delivery.
• Delivery appointments and notifications: agree on receiving windows and contact arrangements. Advance notice does not automatically reserve a delivery appointment.
• Address and inside delivery: state residential or restricted access, gates, carrying distance and required placement. Stairs, installation and packaging removal are separate requests.
• Waiting, unsuccessful pickup and redelivery: establish what happened, supporting records and the proposed next action. Charges depend on the agreed service and evidence, not a universal fee schedule.

Handle changes transparently

List requested items when confirming a quote. If conditions change, retain the evidence and explain the reason before additional work. Review original shipment details, carrier records and the actual services when checking an adjustment. Do not assume liftgate is free or that inside delivery includes installation.

Check that the quote includes the services you need

Review the location type, loading equipment, appointments, notifications, and handling scope at both ends. Confirm that all requested services are included. Check liftgate charges, rescheduling requirements, and how waiting time is calculated against the specific carrier option. There is no industry-wide promise of free service.

If you receive an additional-charge notice

Compare the notice with the original quote request, BOL, packaged dimensions and weight, and on-site records. Ask our team to explain the charge, its basis, supporting evidence, and the review process. Retain the documents and raise specific questions if you disagree. Do not assume every adjustment is an error before the facts are established. Before arranging redelivery or work that adds charges, confirm the customer’s instructions and how the costs will be handled.

Liftgate, notification and appointment are different services

Liftgate suitability depends on the actual equipment, handling-unit dimensions and weights, and conditions at both locations. One liftgate's capacity or platform size is not an industry-wide limit. If there is no dock, state whether a forklift is available, whether the ground supports handling, and who will receive the freight. Liftgate service does not automatically include inside delivery, stairs, unpacking or installation.

Delivery notification is a contact notice; a delivery appointment coordinates a receiving window. Neither automatically guarantees delivery at an exact time. Provide a reachable receiving contact and appointment-reference requirements, and confirm who will arrange the appointment.

Disclose overlength, floor-space and non-stackable freight

Overlength freight, substantial trailer floor-space use or non-stackable freight may be subject to carrier-specific rating rules. Quote the actual packaged dimensions, weight, footprint and stackability. Thresholds vary; splitting paperwork to conceal the actual shipping requirement is not a reliable way to avoid charges.

Where possible, confirm feasibility, cost responsibility and instructions before reconsignment, redelivery, waiting or terminal storage. Do not assume free time or storage that the quote does not specify.

Complimentary cargo insurance

LTL shipments automatically include up to $2,500 in complimentary cargo insurance; full truckload (FTL) shipments include up to $100,000. No separate purchase is required for this included coverage. A freight specialist helps review shipment information and applicable coverage before shipping. Ask about additional coverage if needed. Coverage, limits, deductibles, and claim conditions are subject to the confirmed policy and terms.

Carrier liability and cargo insurance must be reviewed separately. Included insurance does not mean every loss or damage claim will be paid in full.