Unexpected freight charges can disrupt your budget and timeline. At MyLogisticsDept (MLD), we aim to simplify your shipping experience by helping you understand and manage Accessorial Charges.

What are Accessorial Charges?

Additional fees for services beyond standard dock-to-dock transportation.

Common Accessorial Charges:

  • Liftgate Service: Necessary when the delivery or pickup location lacks a loading dock, requiring specialized equipment to load or unload shipments when a piece or pallet is above a certain weight, which varies by LTL carrier.
  • Residential and Non-Commercial Deliveries: Deliveries to residences, schools, airports, or other non-commercial locations may incur extra fees. If a business location is in a residential zone or area, a residential delivery fee may be charged by LTL carriers.
  • Overlength Charge: If the dimensions of the product being shipped are particularly long, an additional charge may apply. This fee is to make up for the increased feet of space being taken up on the trailer. Carriers will usually already have an overlength charge minimum length in place, meaning they will begin charging once the freight goes over that specific measurement and may increase the longer the piece extends. 
  • Reclassification and Reweighs: If accurate dimensions and or weight are not taken from the get-go, or an incorrect classification is used, it can lead to a reclassification and reweigh that will disrupt the process and tack on extra fees.
  • Detention or Delay Time: When the cargo exceeds the allowed time for loading or unloading at a shipper or consignee’s location.

Why Do These Charges Exist?

Accessorial charges account for the extra labor, time, and resources required for services beyond standard pickup and delivery. For instance, delivering to a residential area might involve navigating narrower roads and additional time, or a call prior to delivery, justifying the additional fee.

Tips to Prevent Unnecessary Fees

  • Provide accurate weight, dimensions, commodity description and any special requirements.
  • Communicate delivery restrictions or special services in advance.
  • Ensure the shipper & consignee are ready for pickup/delivery to avoid detention charges.

How MLD Helps You Avoid Accessorial Fees

  • Accurate Upfront Pricing –We help identify possible accessorial costs before shipping.
  • Proactive Planning – Our team works with you to prevent avoidable fees by ensuring proper shipment details.
  • Expert Logistics Support – We help you optimize routes, minimize delays, and we contest charges against the carrier for you if they are inaccurate or not justified.

Contact us today for assistance!

Email: info@shipmld.com

☎️ Call: 877.653.6420

www.shipmld.com

General: 916.375.7125

Toll Free: 877.653.6420