Accessorial Charges

What is Accessorial Charges?

Accessorial Charges

Accessorial charges are an essential aspect of logistics and transportation. When it comes to shipping goods, there are various additional services that carriers may provide beyond the standard transportation of the cargo. These services are known as accessorial services, and carriers charge extra fees for them. Accessorial charges cover a wide range of tasks, including loading and unloading, pickup and delivery, and other specialized services that may be required during the transportation process.

One of the most common accessorial charges is for loading and unloading. Carriers often have to employ additional labor or equipment to handle the physical tasks of loading and unloading goods onto and off of trucks or other modes of transportation. These charges compensate the carrier for the time, effort, and resources required to perform these tasks efficiently and safely.

Another accessorial charge is for pickup and delivery services. Carriers may need to make additional stops or provide door-to-door service, which goes beyond the standard transportation from one terminal to another. These charges account for the extra time and resources involved in ensuring that the goods are picked up from the shipper's location and delivered to the consignee's desired destination.

In addition to these common accessorial charges, there are various other specialized services that carriers may offer. These services can include inside delivery, where the carrier brings the goods inside a building or specific area, or white glove service, which involves extra care and attention to detail when handling delicate or valuable items. Each of these services incurs an additional charge, reflecting the carrier's expertise and the extra effort required to fulfill these specific requirements.

It is important to note that accessorial charges are separate from the base transportation cost. They are additional fees that carriers apply to cover the expenses associated with providing these extra services. Accessorial charges can vary depending on the carrier, the type of service required, and the specific circumstances of the shipment.

It is also worth mentioning that accessorial charges are different from upcharges. While accessorial charges are fees for specific services, upcharges refer to additional costs that may be applied due to factors such as fuel surcharges, peak season surcharges, or other temporary market conditions. Upcharges are typically temporary and can fluctuate based on external factors, whereas accessorial charges are more consistent and directly related to the specific services provided.

In conclusion, accessorial charges are an integral part of logistics and transportation. They cover the additional services beyond standard transportation that carriers provide, such as loading, unloading, pickup, and delivery. These charges compensate carriers for the extra time, effort, and resources required to fulfill these services. Understanding accessorial charges is crucial for shippers and logistics professionals to accurately estimate the total cost of transportation and ensure a smooth and efficient supply chain.