LTL Shipping Accessorial Charges Explained: A South Florida Shipper’s Guide

Understanding LTL Accessorial Charges

Accessorial charges are additional fees beyond the base LTL linehaul rate for special services or non-standard delivery conditions. For South Florida shippers, understanding these charges prevents billing surprises and helps you budget freight costs accurately. Here’s what you need to know about the most common accessorials.

Liftgate Service

Liftgate delivery uses a hydraulic platform on the truck’s rear to lower freight to ground level at locations without loading docks. Most retail stores, offices, and residential locations in South Florida need liftgate service. Charges typically run $75-$150 per delivery. Specifying liftgate at booking prevents refused delivery and redelivery charges.

Residential Delivery

Deliveries to residential addresses incur surcharges because residential streets are harder to navigate with commercial trucks and delivery takes longer. South Florida’s gated communities add further complexity. Residential fees range from $50-$125. Home-based businesses receiving freight should be aware this accessorial applies regardless of business activity.

Inside Delivery

Standard LTL delivery is to the tailgate or dock only. Inside delivery moves freight beyond the threshold — into a building, down a hallway, or to a specific room. This is commonly needed for last-mile delivery to offices, medical facilities, and retail stores without dock access. Charges range from $75-$200.

Limited Access Delivery

Locations with restricted access — construction sites, military bases, churches, schools, and mines — incur limited access surcharges. Many South Florida delivery locations fall into this category. Working with Go Freight’s logistics team identifies limited access situations before they become surprise charges.

Notification and Appointment

Delivery notification (carrier calls before arrival) typically adds $10-$25. Firm appointment delivery (specific window) can add $50-$150. South Florida businesses requiring scheduled deliveries around operating hours or construction schedules should budget for appointment fees.

Reweigh and Reclassification

If a carrier’s inspection reveals weight or dimensions differing from the bill of lading, reweigh and reclassification charges apply. Accurate measurements and honest freight descriptions prevent these costly adjustments. Go Freight verifies shipment details from our warehouse operations before pickup.

How to Minimize Accessorial Costs

Plan ahead by identifying all service requirements at booking. Use locations with loading docks when possible. Consolidate shipments to reduce per-delivery accessorial impact. Go Freight’s all-inclusive quoting process identifies applicable accessorials upfront so you know the total cost before shipping.