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Accessorials - The Waggon Freight Dictionary

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Key takeaways:

  • Accessorials are extra fees for services beyond basic shipping like lift gate usage or inside delivery.
  • Shippers can avoid unexpected accessorial charges by planning and communicating needs to carriers.
  • Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) help businesses manage accessorial costs effectively, often leading to savings and smoother operations.
  • Temperature-controlled services require special handling and equipment, impacting shipping costs with additional fees when not managed properly.
  • Regularly auditing freight bills for errors can catch wrongful charges and help control shipping expenses.

Navigating The World of Accessorials in Freight Shipping: Insights From Waggon

In freight shipping, accessorials take center stage as both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses transporting goods.

Often underestimated in their impact, these fees dictate the final cost and efficiency of shipments.

Waggon brings hard-earned insights from years in logistics, offering clarity on this critical aspect of transportation management that many overlook.

Accessorials - The Waggon Freight Dictionary

Understanding Accessorials In Shipping and Logistics

Accessorials can either be a hindrance or a tool for optimization—it’s all about perspective and preparation.

With Waggon’s guidance, shippers can transform potential expenses into strategic advantages.

Continue reading for pragmatic steps toward mastering accessorials.

It’s simpler than you think!

Contact Waggon for a no-obligation quote to explore your shipping and logistics options.

Our team is ready to discuss your specific needs and provide tailored solutions.

Table of Contents

Defining Accessorials - The Freight Dictionary

Accessorials Definition

Accessorials are extra fees for services that go beyond basic shipping.

Imagine you need a package picked up from a location without a loading dock.

A truck with a special liftgate might be needed to load the cargo, and this service will cost more.

These are not included in the standard shipping rate.

For example, if a truck driver has to wait longer than expected to unload cargo, there could be an additional fee for this time.

Other services, such as fuel surcharges due to current fuel prices or lifting heavy items with a gate, may also require accessorial charges.

It is a normal practice in the industry, even the United States Government is subject to accessorial charges.

Think of accessorials as an à la carte menu in freight shipping – pick what you need, but each comes with its price tag.

Accessorials - The Waggon Freight Dictionary

Reasons for Accessorial Charges

After exploring what accessorials are, it’s clear that shipping involves more than moving goods from one point to another.

Carriers add these charges because some shipments need more work than others.

For instance, if a truck needs to wait longer at the pickup spot because the cargo isn’t ready, the company may charge for this extra time.

Sometimes a delivery site has no dock and items must be carried inside by hand.

This service is called “inside delivery” and costs extra too.

Other times, trucks travel further than planned or need special permits for oversized loads, leading to additional freight accessorial fees.

Fuel prices keep changing and can affect the cost of shipping – carriers might add a fuel surcharge when costs go up suddenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Is An Accessorial In Freight?

    In freight shipping, accessorials are extra fees on top of the basic shipping cost.

    They cover services beyond just moving a package from point A to point B. Picture this: You need your goods lifted onto a truck with a unique gate or kept cool in a refrigerated trailer; these unique needs call for accessorials.

    Accessorials come into play for many different reasons during shipment.

    Let’s say you ship something huge, and it takes extra time to load—it will likely have an accessorial fee attached.

    Or if your cargo has to be unpacked at its final destination rather than just dropped off, that’s another case where accessory charges apply.

    These additional steps help ensure your products reach their new home safely and in good condition, which is critical for businesses like yours that rely on effective freight transportation.

  • What Are Accessorial Charges In Drayage?

    Accessorial charges in drayage are extra fees you might pay for services other than the simple moving of goods to or from a port.

    Consider the added costs if your shipment needs special attention, such as storage at a warehouse or using extra equipment.

    When your cargo sits longer than planned at the terminal, and you face demurrage charges, that’s also an accessorial fee.

    Also, if someone helps load or unload your truck — a lumper service — that may cost more too.

    Accessorials aren’t just random charges; they’re for specific tasks that ensure your items get where they need to go safely and on time.

  • What Are The Accessorial Charges May Include?

    Accessorial charges can catch a business off guard, leading to unexpected costs.

    These fees cover extra services provided by freight carriers.

    • Detention: If a trucker waits too long at pick-up or drop-off, the carrier may charge for this time.
    • Reconsignment: Changing the delivery destination after shipping has begun adds an extra fee.
    • Stop-off charges: Fees apply when a truck must make additional stops between the origin and destination.
    • Lumper fees: These charges are added when third-party laborers load or unload goods.
    • Lift gate services: Trucks with special equipment for heavy items add lift gate fees.
    • Residential delivery: Delivering freight to a home or non-commercial location comes with higher costs.
    • Inside delivery: Carriers charge more for bringing items beyond the front door or into a specific room.
    • Storage fees: Daily charges accrue if freight needs to be stored at the carrier’s facility.

  • What Are Accessorial Fees For Shippers?

    Accessorial fees for shippers are extra charges from transportation providers.

    These come up when a shipment needs more than the standard service.

    Think of them as surprise costs for things like storage, handling special items, or making deliveries outside normal hours.

    Sometimes trucks have to wait longer at a pick-up or drop-off point.

    That can lead to wait time fees too.

    Freight accessorial charges could be anything not included in the original quote.

    Shippers might face these additional costs if their goods require temperature control during transit or if security inspections that weren’t planned for are needed.

    It’s essential to watch out because these unexpected services add up quickly and affect your final bill significantly.

  • What Is Accessorial Cost?

    Accessorial cost hits your wallet when a carrier does more than drive from point A to B.

    Think of it as getting extra toppings on your pizza; each adds to the bill.

    For shippers, these are the pesky fees tacked onto freight invoices for services that aren’t part of the normal transport deal.

    They cover all sorts of things: maybe you need a lift gate because you don’t have a loading dock, or the goods demand special care and handling en route.

    Sometimes carriers charge more if they wait too long at pickup or delivery spots.

    Or if something in the paperwork is off, that might cost extra too.

    These costs can add up fast and make shipping much pricier than expected.

    It pays to be aware of them so you won’t be caught off guard — nobody likes surprise charges!

  • What Is A Single Shipment Accessorial?

    A single shipment accessorial is an extra fee for a particular service.

    This happens when you send just one item that weighs under 500 pounds.

    It’s not part of the regular shipping cost.

    You might see this charge if your goods need something more than the standard pick-up and delivery.

    For example, if your product requires special handling or a quick drop-off, carriers add this fee to cover the extra work.

    Your bill shows these costs separately so you know exactly what you’re paying for additional services.

    Remember, managing these fees can keep your shipping budget on track.

Types of Accessorials

In freight shipping, accessorials encompass a diverse array of specialized services that go beyond standard transportation—each with its own set of implications for your logistics strategy.

From truckload specifics to temperature control demands, tailoring these services effectively can be the linchpin in optimizing your supply chain efficiency.

Accessorials - The Waggon Freight Dictionary

Truckload

Accessorial charges in truckload shipping can change based on different needs.

If a business ships large amounts of goods simultaneously, they might rent an entire truck. This is called full truckload shipping.

Truckload prices often depend on what the market is like and what people agree to pay.

A company might face extra fees for services that are not standard.

These services could include having the driver help unloading or needing a special trailer.

Knowing about these possible costs is good when planning to send things by truck.

Temperature Controlled Services

Temperature-controlled services are crucial for goods that must stay at a specific temperature.

Products like food, medicine, and chemicals often require these specialized services to maintain quality.

This type of service uses special equipment like refrigerated trucks to keep items cool or heating systems for warmth.

From the warehouse to delivery, temperatures must be managed carefully at every step.

If you handle sensitive products, consider using Waggon’s expert services to effectively manage your temperature-controlled shipping needs.

Controlling Accessorial Charges

Expertly steering through the terrain of freight shipping means mastering the art of minimizing unexpected costs — accessorial charges don’t have to be a thorn in your financial side.

With tactical planning and sharp insight into logistics operations, businesses can achieve smoother shipments and more predictable expenses; Waggon delivers sound strategies that empower companies to take control over these additional fees, streamlining their supply chain with calculated precision.

Accessorials - The Waggon Freight Dictionary

Strategies for Avoiding and Mitigating Charges

Avoiding and reducing accessorial charges can save your business money.

Here are smart ways to keep these costs in check:

  • Plan Ahead: Schedule pickups and deliveries with plenty of time. This prevents rush fees.
  • Load Smart: Make sure to load cargo quickly and efficiently. Fast loading avoids detention fees.
  • Double-check Details: Always review the bill of lading (BOL) for mistakes. Correct information avoids correction charges.
  • Pack Properly: Use standard pallet sizes and secure your freight. This prevents re-packing fees.
  • Clear Communication: Tell carriers about special needs or handling upfront. Surprise fees for extra work are avoided this way.
  • Measure by Data: Keep track of lane usage and shipment times. Use this data to predict and sidestep potential extra costs.
  • Partner Up: Work with a third-party logistics provider (3PL). They can help negotiate lower accessorial rates for you.
  • Audit Bills: Regularly check freight bills for errors. A keen eye can catch wrongful charges.
  • Educate Your Team: Make sure everyone knows how accessorials work. Knowledgeable teams prevent costly missteps.

Use of a Third-Party Logistics Provider (3PL)

Managing accessorial charges can be complex.

Partnering with a third-party logistics provider (3PL) can simplify the process.

Our experts handle freight shipping details, from tracking lane data to managing unexpected work.

They keep an eye on those extra fees that add up fast.

A 3PL might mean less control for your business over some steps in delivery.

Still, their experience often leads to fewer headaches and reduced costs over time.

They tackle tasks like warehousing and temperature-controlled services efficiently.

This way, you don’t have to worry about rising fuel rates or carrier equipment issues impacting your budget.

With a 3PL by your side, controlling those sneaky accessorial charges becomes much easier.

Waggon: Supply Chain & Logistics Services

Accessorials - The Waggon Freight Dictionary

Accessorial fees can surprise you, but with knowledge and planning, they won’t trouble your shipping budget.

Hold these extra charges head-on by choosing Waggon for expert supply chain management.

We help you avoid potential costs and keep your freight moving smoothly.

Keep those unexpected fees in check and partner with us today!

Choose Waggon to safely and efficiently manage your shipments.

Take the first step towards resolving your logistics challenges by requesting a quote today — our experienced team is ready to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Waggon Charge Accessorial Fees For Expedite Freight?

    No, Waggon does not charge accessorial fees for expedited freight.

    This means that when you choose expedited shipping services with Waggon, you can expect a straightforward pricing structure without additional fees for the expedited service.

  • What Exactly Are Accessorials In Freight Shipping?

    Accessorials are extra fees that freight transportation carriers charge for services beyond standard pick-up and delivery.

  • When Might A Carrier Charge Me Accessorial Fees?

    Accessorial fees can be charged for special requests, such as using an escort vehicle, needing third-party laborers, or when the carrier stores your pallets longer than agreed.

  • Can Accessorials Affect How I Pack My Shipment?

    Yes, indeed!

    If your items aren’t palletized or have one pallet broken up into smaller pieces, this could mean additional handling and higher costs.

  • How Do I Avoid Surprises With Accessorial Charges During A Freight Audit?

    Always double-check the booking process details—know what’s included and what might trigger extra charges like lading errors or special unloading timing needs at warehouses.

  • Do All Types Of Shipments Get Charged For Accessorials?

    Without Waggon – Yes; from small LTL shipments to big intermodal containers headed to distribution centers, each may include different accessory fees depending on their specific needs.

  • Are There Any Accessories Related To Human Health And Safety In Shipping Hazmat Materials?

    Transporting hazardous materials often requires specialized hazmat handling which can include specific packaging or even having an escort vehicle along the journey for safety.

  • What Support Does Waggon Offer For International Shipping?

    Waggon offers comprehensive services for international shipping, including handling customs clearance and navigating complex global logistics challenges.

    We are equipped to manage the intricacies of cross-border transportation, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

  • How Does Waggon Ensure Timely Delivery In Peak Seasons?

    During peak seasons, Waggon employs strategic planning and resource allocation to ensure timely deliveries.

    We anticipate high-demand periods and adjust our logistics operations accordingly to maintain reliable service.

  • Can Waggon Provide Specialized Equipment For Unique Cargo?

    Waggon provides a range of specialized equipment to accommodate unique or sensitive cargo.

    This includes flatbeds, temperature-controlled vehicles, and other specialized transportation solutions tailored to specific cargo needs.

  • What Tracking And Monitoring Options Does Waggon Provide?

    Waggon utilizes advanced tracking technologies to provide real-time shipment status and location updates.

    Clients can monitor their shipments closely, ensuring transparency and peace of mind throughout the transportation process.

  • Does Waggon Offer Consultation For Logistics Optimization?

    Waggon offers expert consulting services to optimize logistics and supply chain processes.

    Our team works closely with clients to identify efficiency and cost-saving opportunities, tailoring solutions to each business’s unique needs.

Written By:
Picture of Robert Rajfer
Robert Rajfer

Robert has worked in the supply chain / logistics industry for the past five years. Robert spent the first three years of his career at C.H. Robinson (NASDAQ: CHRW) and the following years at Flock Freight (backed by SoftBank, Google Ventures, and Signal Fire).

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