Accessorial charges explained: the fees beyond the linehaul
Accessorial charges are fees for services beyond moving freight from dock to dock. Common ones are liftgate service, residential delivery, limited-access delivery, inside delivery, redelivery, detention and reweigh fees.
Most accessorials can be predicted. If the receiving site has no loading dock, a liftgate will be needed. If the address is a school, a construction site or a storage unit, expect a limited-access fee. Listing these needs when requesting a quote keeps the final invoice close to the estimate.
Detention is charged when a driver waits beyond the free time allowed for loading or unloading, typically two hours for a full truckload. Scheduling dock appointments and having paperwork ready are the simplest ways to avoid it.