Accessorial fees are additional charges applied by carriers for services that go beyond the standard pickup and delivery in freight shipping. These fees cover extra services such as residential delivery, inside delivery, liftgate service, and extended storage. They are necessary because these services require more labor, specialized equipment, or additional time compared to standard transportation.
Carriers use accessorial fees to ensure they are fairly compensated for these extra services while keeping base shipping rates competitive. Common examples include fuel surcharges, after-hours delivery fees, and charges for handling hazardous materials. Understanding accessorial fees helps businesses anticipate costs and avoid unexpected charges on freight invoices.
To minimize accessorial fees, shippers should thoroughly plan their shipping needs to align with carrier capabilities and avoid unexpected services. Providing complete and accurate shipping information can also help avoid unnecessary charges. Negotiating with carriers, especially for high-volume shipments, may lead to more favorable terms.
