Freight Accessorial Charges: Liftgate, Residential and More

You approved a freight quote, the shipment delivered, and then the invoice arrived with extra lines you did not expect. Those lines are almost always accessorial charges: fees for services beyond basic dock-to-dock transportation. They are not necessarily unfair, but they are avoidable when you know what triggers them.

What are accessorial charges?

A base freight rate assumes a standard pickup and delivery at commercial locations with a loading dock, during normal hours, with prompt loading and unloading. Anything outside that assumption can add a fee. Accessorials should be requested at booking so they are quoted in advance rather than discovered afterward.

The most common accessorials

Liftgate service

A liftgate is a hydraulic platform on the truck used when the pickup or delivery site has no dock. It is charged at pickup, delivery, or both. If your receiver cannot take a truck at a dock height, request it up front.

Residential delivery

Homes and many home-based businesses are classified as residential, which involves tighter streets, more care, and often appointments. Learn more about options in our residential delivery service.

Inside delivery

Standard delivery ends at the curb or door. Moving freight into a building, up an elevator, or into a specific room is inside delivery and is priced separately.

Limited access locations

Schools, churches, military bases, construction sites, storage facilities, and some secured properties can require extra time or coordination, so carriers add a fee.

Appointment and notification

Delivery appointments and call-ahead notifications ask the carrier to schedule a specific window. They help receivers plan but cost extra.

Detention and waiting time

Carriers typically allow a free window for loading or unloading. After that, driver waiting time is billed. Slow docks are the most common cause, so coordinate with your warehouse. Our piece on lumper fees and warehouse detention goes deeper.

Reweigh, reclass and redelivery

If the carrier finds the actual weight, dimensions, or class differs from the bill of lading, it can adjust the bill. A failed delivery attempt can also trigger redelivery or storage fees.

How to avoid surprise fees

1. Confirm the pickup and delivery location type, including dock availability.
2. List every needed service on the quote and bill of lading.
3. Provide accurate weights, dimensions, and class.
4. Give the receiver the delivery window and a contact number.
5. Review the invoice against the quote, and dispute errors promptly with documentation.

A quote that spells out accessorials is easier to trust. Our LTL team can walk through the fees that apply to your lane when you request a quote.

Frequently asked questions

Why was I charged a liftgate fee when the receiver said they had a dock?

The fee applies if the carrier used the liftgate, or if the dock could not accommodate the truck. Confirm dock height, access, and any restrictions before booking.

Can accessorial charges be negotiated?

Often yes for repeat shippers, particularly on contract rates. Ask for accessorial pricing to be written into your agreement.

What is the difference between detention and demurrage?

Detention generally refers to truck waiting time at a shipper or receiver. Demurrage and per diem relate to containers at ports and terminals.