Accessorial charges are fees added to a base freight rate for services beyond standard pickup and delivery. They appear on invoices after delivery and often catch shippers off guard.
For most LTL shippers, accessorial charges add 15 to 30 percent to the cost of a shipment. Understanding which charges apply — and when — is one of the fastest ways to reduce total freight spend.
The Most Common Accessorial Charges
| Charge | When It Applies | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Liftgate pickup | No loading dock at origin | $75–$150 |
| Liftgate delivery | No loading dock at destination | $75–$150 |
| Residential delivery | Delivery to a home or farm | $75–$200 |
| Inside delivery | Carrier must bring freight inside | $50–$200 |
| Appointment | Delivery requires a scheduled window | $50–$100 |
| Limited access | Location is hard to reach by standard truck | $75–$200 |
| Redelivery | Consignee unavailable at delivery | $75–$150 |
| Fuel surcharge | Applied to all shipments based on diesel index | 3–30% of base rate |
| Detention | Driver waits more than allotted time | $50–$100/hr |
| Weight adjustment | Freight is heavier than declared | Variable |
Liftgate Charges
Liftgate charges apply when a location has no loading dock. The carrier must use a hydraulic lift on the truck to raise or lower freight from ground level. This applies to both pickup and delivery locations independently.
If your receiver has a dock and your shipper does not, only the pickup liftgate charge applies. Both locations without docks mean two liftgate charges. Note this on the BOL upfront — adding it after the fact costs more and creates invoice disputes.
Residential Delivery Charges
Residential delivery is charged any time freight goes to a home, farm, or location that appears residential to the carrier. Business addresses in residential-zoned areas, home offices, and rural properties often trigger this charge even when the shipper considers the location commercial.
Detention and Layover
Detention applies when a driver waits beyond the free time for loading or unloading — typically 30 to 60 minutes for LTL. Layover is charged when freight cannot be delivered and the driver must hold the load overnight. Both are avoidable with good dock scheduling and receiver communication.
How to Reduce Accessorial Charges
- Audit every shipping location for dock access before booking
- Mark residential, limited access, and appointment-required locations on every BOL
- Keep dock scheduling tight to avoid detention
- Weigh and measure freight accurately to avoid weight adjustments
- Review carrier tariffs annually — accessorial rates change
- Work with a broker who verifies accessorials before quoting
Frequently Asked Questions
Can accessorial charges be negotiated?
Yes, especially for high-volume shippers. Carriers often discount or cap accessorial fees for accounts with consistent volume. A freight broker can negotiate these as part of a carrier contract.
What is a fuel surcharge and how is it calculated?
Fuel surcharges are calculated based on the weekly US national diesel average published by the Department of Energy. Carriers apply a percentage to the base rate using a predetermined index table.
Are accessorial charges the same at every carrier?
No. Each carrier publishes its own accessorial tariff. Rates vary widely, which is why comparing total cost — not just base rate — matters when choosing a carrier.
Get a quote with all charges included upfront
SIOX Logistics provides transparent freight quotes that identify likely accessorial charges before booking. Request a freight quote to see your total cost before committing.
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