Lumper Fee Reimbursement Guide
How to get your lumper fees paid. Federal law protects you—learn the process, documentation required, and your legal rights.
O TruckingLumper Fee Reimbursement: How to Get Paid Back (2026 Guide)
Federal Law Protects You: 49 USC § 14103
Federal law prohibits forcing carriers to pay lumper fees without reimbursement
- Carriers must be given the option to unload their own trucks
- If not given option, shipper/receiver must pay lumper or reimburse carrier
- Forcing payment without reimbursement is illegal
- Applies to all freight except household goods
Lumper Fee Payment & Reimbursement Methods
Comcheck (Most Common)
Broker/dispatcher issues Comcheck Express Code before you arrive
Timing: Immediate - use code to pay lumpers directly
Pros:
- No out-of-pocket cost
- Instant payment
- Most warehouses accept
Cons:
- Need to request in advance
- Some small fees may apply
EFS Check/Money Code
Similar to Comcheck - electronic payment code issued by dispatcher
Timing: Immediate - use at lumper service
Pros:
- No out-of-pocket
- Widely accepted
- Fast funding
Cons:
- Requires EFS relationship
- Must request before arrival
Cash Advance
Factoring company or dispatcher provides cash advance for lumpers
Timing: Same day - deposited to your account or fuel card
Pros:
- Flexible
- Can handle unexpected lumper fees
Cons:
- May have small fee
- Requires factoring or dispatch service
Pay & Submit Receipt
Pay out of pocket, submit receipt for reimbursement with invoice
Timing: Reimbursed with load payment (30-45 days)
Pros:
- No advance coordination needed
Cons:
- Ties up your cash
- Risk of non-payment
- Slow reimbursement
Direct Billing
Warehouse bills shipper/receiver directly (rare)
Timing: No driver involvement
Pros:
- No driver payment required
Cons:
- Only at some facilities
- Must be pre-arranged
Step-by-Step Reimbursement Process
Before the Load
Confirm lumper policy with dispatcher/broker. Ask: 'Is there a lumper? How will it be covered?'
Tip: Get it in writing on the rate confirmation.
Before Arrival
Request Comcheck or EFS code from your dispatcher at least 30 minutes before arrival.
Tip: Don't wait until you're at the facility - it causes delays.
At the Facility
Check in, get lumper amount quote, confirm Comcheck covers it, pay lumpers.
Tip: If amount exceeds Comcheck, call dispatcher immediately for additional code.
Get Documentation
Get itemized receipt from lumper service. Keep original, take photo backup.
Tip: Receipt should show: date, facility, services, amount, payment method.
If Paying Out of Pocket
Pay with card (creates record), keep receipt, note on BOL, invoice with paperwork.
Tip: Add lumper receipt to your invoice package. Reference rate con lumper terms.
Submit for Reimbursement
Include lumper receipt with delivery paperwork and invoice.
Tip: If reimbursement is delayed, follow up within 7 days. Reference 49 USC 14103.
Documentation Required for Reimbursement
Lumper Receipt
RequiredOriginal receipt from lumper service showing amount paid, date, facility, and services
BOL with Lumper Notation
RequiredNote the lumper fee amount on your Bill of Lading for your records
Facility Name & Address
RequiredComplete delivery location information for reference
Photo of Receipt
RecommendedBackup photo in case original is lost - timestamped
Comcheck/EFS Confirmation
RecommendedIf paid via Comcheck/EFS, save the confirmation number
If Reimbursement is Denied
- 1Reference the rate confirmation - Point to the lumper terms you agreed to before the load.
- 2Cite federal law - 49 USC § 14103 requires reimbursement if you weren't given option to unload yourself.
- 3Escalate to management - Ask to speak with billing supervisor or owner at the brokerage.
- 4File a complaint - FMCSA complaints can be filed online for violations of 49 USC § 14103.
- 5Consider the relationship - Document the issue and factor into future load decisions with this broker.
We Handle Your Lumper Fees
Our dispatch service includes Comcheck lumper coverage. No out-of-pocket costs, no chasing reimbursements. We handle it so you can focus on driving.