Accessorial Charges

Carrier Accessorial Charges are extra fees that a carrier charges for special services or equipment used in the shipment of goods. For example, a common accessorial charge is the fee charged for using a lift gate on a truck to lower and raise goods from the truck to the ground. Other examples include charges for using a truck with a refrigeration unit, charges for using more than one driver on a shipment, and charges for providing an express service.

Accessorial Charges are usually assessed by the carrier as either a flat fee or as a percentage of the total freight cost. They are designed to cover the additional costs associated with providing special services or equipment. As such, they are generally unavoidable and non-negotiable.

Some of the most common accessorial charges include:

  • Fuel Surcharge: A fee that the carrier charges to cover the increased cost of fuel.
  • Terminal Handling Fee: A fee charged by the carrier for each piece that is processed at a terminal. This fee is typically charged when there is a delay in getting the freight from the airplane to the dock, or when there is damage to the freight.
  • Pickup and Delivery Fee: A fee charged by the carrier for each pickup and delivery service provided.
  • Dock Receipt Fee: A fee charged by the carrier for issuing a dock receipt. This fee is usually assessed when goods

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