Introduction: The Hidden Cost of LTL Freight
When shippers talk about rates, they usually think in terms of weight, distance, and base pricing. But the real surprise often comes later in the invoice: accessorial charges in LTL freight. These are the extra fees carriers add when shipments require services beyond standard pickup and delivery. Left unmanaged, they can quietly drain budgets and turn profitable lanes into costly ones.
What Are Accessorial Charges in LTL Freight?
Accessorial charges are additional fees carriers apply when a shipment needs something outside of the basic “dock-to-dock” move. They aren’t arbitrary — carriers add them to cover extra time, labor, or equipment needed.
Common examples include:
- Liftgate use when no dock is available
- Deliveries to residential or restricted locations
- Extra driver labor for inside delivery
- Redelivery after a missed appointment
In short, if freight requires more than the standard pickup and drop, an accessorial charge is likely to appear.
The Most Common LTL Accessorial Charges
Understanding which charges appear most often helps shippers prepare. Some of the most frequent include:
- Liftgate Service: If the consignee doesn’t have a dock or forklift, carriers use a liftgate to unload, adding $75–$150 per delivery.
- Residential or Limited Access Delivery: Schools, construction sites, and government facilities often trigger $50–$125 in fees.
- Detention: If a truck is held too long at a dock, carriers may charge per 15–30 minutes.
- Redelivery: Missed or refused appointments almost always incur a reattempt fee.
- Reconsignment: Changing delivery addresses mid-shipment comes with admin and rerouting costs.
For example, if a shipper sends a pallet to a retail store without confirming it has a dock, they can expect a liftgate fee to appear — an avoidable charge with better planning.
Why Accessorial Charges Add Up Quickly
At first glance, accessorial fees don’t seem huge — $50 here, $100 there. But when they hit multiple shipments across a month, they add up fast. A shipper moving 20 LTL loads could see thousands in extra charges just from unplanned liftgates, redeliveries, or detention.
Carriers also apply these fees strictly. Once billed, they’re rarely reversed because they reflect actual driver time or equipment use. That’s why the only real way to manage them is to prevent them before they occur.
How to Avoid Accessorial Fees Before They Happen
Most accessorial charges can be eliminated with clear information and planning:
- Provide Complete Details: List consignee requirements on the bill of lading, including dock hours, equipment, and access notes.
- Confirm Consignee Needs: If the delivery point requires a liftgate or has limited hours, note it upfront.
- Train Shipping Staff: Small oversights, like not flagging a residential delivery, can trigger avoidable charges.
- Leverage TMS Tools: Many systems prompt for accessorials so nothing is overlooked.
For example, if a shipper consolidates orders but doesn’t communicate that one consignee requires limited access delivery, the carrier will still apply the fee. That’s why proactive planning saves more than negotiation after the fact. To see how better planning cuts costs in other areas, check out our post on missed appointments in LTL freight.
Negotiating and Managing Accessorials With Carriers
Not every fee is avoidable, but the way you manage accessorials can make a big difference.
- Negotiate in Contracts: Many carriers allow extended free time before detention or reduced rates for frequent liftgate use.
- Audit Invoices: Catching billing errors early ensures you only pay what’s legitimate.
- Use Regional Carriers: Providers who know local consignee rules are less likely to hit you with surprise fees.
- Escalate Quickly: If you believe a charge is misapplied, dispute it promptly with documentation.
Carriers aren’t trying to trick shippers with accessorials — they’re compensating for real costs. The challenge for shippers is to plan ahead so those extras don’t come as a surprise. For additional context on how freight charges are regulated, visit transportation.gov.
Conclusion: Clarity Equals Savings
Accessorial charges in LTL freight are part of doing business, but they don’t need to be a budget buster. By providing complete shipment details, using technology to flag requirements, and working closely with carriers, shippers can avoid the majority of extra fees.
At GreenlineX, we help our customers cut out surprises by managing details upfront, training teams on best practices, and leveraging local expertise to keep invoices predictable. If you’re ready to work with a freight partner that helps eliminate hidden costs, visit GreenlineX.
