What Are Accessorial Charges?
Extra fees for services beyond standard pickup and delivery. Detention, TONU, liftgate, tarp, hazmat, layover—25+ fees that can add hundreds to your freight bill or boost your earnings.
Quick Definition
Accessorial charges (also called accessorial fees or accessorials) are extra costs in trucking for à la carte services not included in the standard freight rate. They cover additional time, equipment, specialized handling, or location-based challenges. Common examples include detention, layover, TONU, lumper fees, liftgate, tarp, and hazmat charges.
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O TruckingWhat Are Accessorial Charges? Complete Trucking Fee Guide 2026
Time-Related Accessorials
Fees for driver waiting time and delays
Detention
Fee charged when driver waits beyond free time (usually 2 hours) for loading/unloading
Layover
Flat fee when driver must wait overnight or longer due to shipper/receiver delays
TONU (Truck Ordered Not Used)
Cancellation fee when load is canceled after truck is dispatched
Redelivery
Fee when delivery must be re-attempted due to rejection, unavailable recipient, or missing equipment
After-Hours Delivery
Surcharge for deliveries outside normal business hours (evenings, weekends, holidays)
Equipment-Related Accessorials
Fees for special equipment and handling
Liftgate Service
Hydraulic platform to raise/lower freight when no loading dock is available
Tarp Charge
Covering flatbed loads to protect from weather elements
Special Equipment
Extra straps, edge protectors, blanket wraps, dunnage, or load bars
Tanker Endorsement
Premium for drivers hauling 1,000+ gallons of liquid cargo
Reefer/Temperature Control
Additional cost for refrigerated or temperature-controlled transport
Location-Based Accessorials
Fees for challenging delivery locations
Residential Delivery
Delivery to home addresses or residential zones (non-commercial locations)
Limited Access
Pickup/delivery at restricted locations: military bases, prisons, schools, construction sites
Inside Delivery
Driver goes beyond loading dock to place freight inside the building
Metro/Urban Surcharge
Extra fee for congested city areas with parking and navigation challenges
Remote/Rural Delivery
Extended delivery areas outside normal service zones
Freight-Based Accessorials
Fees based on cargo characteristics
Oversized/Overlength
Loads exceeding 12 feet long or requiring special permits
Hazmat
DOT-required handling and documentation for hazardous materials
Reweigh/Reclassification
Fee when shipment weight or freight class differs from BOL (LTL)
Sort & Segregate
Redistributing products between pallets at delivery (common in grocery)
Excess Cargo Insurance
Additional coverage beyond standard $100,000 carrier liability
Service-Based Accessorials
Fees for additional labor and services
Lumper Fee
Third-party labor for loading/unloading at warehouses
Driver Assist/Unload
Driver helps with loading/unloading (not normally included)
Additional Stops
Multi-stop deliveries beyond single pickup/delivery
Reconsignment
Changing delivery address after freight is in transit
Storage
Holding freight at carrier facility when delivery delayed
Advance Notification
Required call-ahead to consignee before delivery
Quick Reference: Common Accessorial Rates
| Accessorial | Typical Rate | Range | Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detention | $50-$75/hr | $25-$100/hr | After 2 free hours |
| Layover | $250-$350/day | $150-$500/day | After 24 hours |
| TONU | $200-$300 | $150-$600 | Same-day cancellation |
| Liftgate | $75-$100 | $50-$150 | No dock available |
| Tarp | $100-$150 | $75-$200 | Flatbed weather protection |
| Lumper | $150-$250 | $50-$350 | Warehouse unloading |
| Hazmat | $150-$200 | $150-$300 | Hazardous materials |
| Residential | $75-$100 | $50-$150 | Home delivery |
| Limited Access | $75-$125 | $50-$200 | Restricted locations |
| Add'l Stop | $50-$75 | $50-$100 | Per additional stop |
Rates vary by carrier, region, and market conditions. Always confirm accessorial rates in your rate confirmation.
How to Minimize Accessorial Charges
The best way to avoid surprise fees is proactive communication and documentation
Communicate All Requirements Upfront
Disclose liftgate needs, hazmat, residential delivery, or special handling before booking—not after arrival.
Verify Weight and Freight Class
Double-check shipment weight and NMFC classification to avoid reweigh and reclassification fees.
Provide Accurate Addresses
Confirm pickup/delivery addresses are correct and accessible to avoid reconsignment and limited access fees.
Ensure Facility Readiness
Have freight staged and dock doors available to minimize detention time. Load/unload within 2 hours.
Schedule During Business Hours
Avoid after-hours and weekend deliveries when possible to skip time-based surcharges.
Get Accessorials in Writing
Include all potential charges in the rate confirmation before dispatch—no surprises later.
Build Broker/Shipper Relationships
Negotiate reduced or waived accessorials with consistent shippers through volume discounts.
Accessorials: Carrier Revenue vs. Shipper Costs
For Carriers/Owner Operators
- Accessorials are additional revenue—invoice every one
- Get accessorial rates in writing before dispatch
- Document everything: photos, timestamps, communications
- Invoice accessorials within 24-48 hours while fresh
- Negotiate higher rates for specialized equipment
For Shippers/Brokers
- Disclose all requirements upfront before booking
- Negotiate accessorial rates in your carrier contracts
- Ensure facilities are ready—avoid detention charges
- Provide accurate weight, dimensions, and freight class
- High-volume relationships = negotiated accessorial rates
Frequently Asked Questions
What are accessorial charges in trucking?
Accessorial charges are extra fees for services beyond standard freight pickup and delivery. They cover additional time (detention, layover), equipment (liftgate, tarp), specialized handling (hazmat, inside delivery), or location challenges (residential, limited access). These fees compensate carriers for services not included in base shipping rates.
What is the most common accessorial charge?
Detention is the most common accessorial charge in truckload shipping. It's charged when drivers wait beyond the standard 2-hour free time for loading or unloading. Typical rates are $50-$75/hour. In LTL shipping, reclassification (when weight or freight class differs from the BOL) is most common.
Who pays accessorial charges?
The party responsible depends on the contract and who caused the extra service. Shippers typically pay for accessorials they request (liftgate, inside delivery) or cause (detention from slow loading). Brokers may absorb fees for their errors (wrong address causing reconsignment). Carriers earn accessorials as additional revenue but must document and invoice properly.
Are accessorial charges negotiable?
Yes, many accessorial charges are negotiable, especially for high-volume shippers or contracted lanes. Request longer free time before detention kicks in, negotiate flat rates for recurring accessorials, include frequently needed services in base rates, and build carrier relationships for preferential treatment. Document all agreements in the carrier contract or rate confirmation.
What's the difference between accessorial charges and fuel surcharges?
Accessorial charges are fees for specific services (detention, liftgate, hazmat).Fuel surchargesare variable adjustments based on diesel prices. While both are "extra" fees, fuel surcharges are typically automatic and market-driven, while accessorials are service-driven and often negotiable. Some consider fuel surcharge a separate line item, not a true accessorial.
Let Us Handle Your Accessorials
Our dispatch team ensures every accessorial charge is documented and invoiced. We negotiate detention, TONU, and layover into every rate confirmation so you get paid for your time—not just your miles.