Accessorial Services & Charges

Definition

What are Accessorial Charges?

Accessorial charges are considered to be anything that would result in the Carrier or Courier having to complete extra work in order to complete the shipment. They may vary based on the specific carrier.

Importance of Accessorial Charges

It is important to know all details about your shipment, including where it is going and any additional services that may be required to get your products delivered properly. Otherwise, you may encounter charges you were not expecting on the final invoice for your shipment.

SMARTT Shipping does give you the opportunity to add these services at the start of your shipment so that you can avoid additional charges later on. It is imperative that you take the time and consideration to know which services are required, because you may be charged for not only the additional service, but also a redelivery fee if the driver was unable to deliver your shipment due to inadequate or improper service selection.

Most Common Accessorial Charges

While we have listed some of the accessorial charges you may encounter below, it is important to check with the carrier you selected for the specific charges that may apply to your shipment. Please be aware that carriers may have varying accessorial charges and rates.

Terminal Handling

A fee is applied for handling and processing shipments at a carrier’s terminal.

Residential Delivery

A fee is applied for deliveries to residential addresses, as they may require additional handling or equipment.

Power Tailgate

A fee for using a lift gate to load or unload a shipment, typically for heavy or bulky items.

Inside Delivery

A fee for delivering a shipment inside a building, rather than curbside. It is important to note, that the carrier will only go in the entrance of the door and no further.

Dangerous Goods

A fee is applied for handling and transporting hazardous materials, which may require special equipment and training

Return Shipping

A fee is applied for shipping empty pallets or containers back to the shipper.

Overweight or Oversize Fee

A fee is applied for shipments that exceed the carrier’s standard weight or size limits.

Customs Clearance

A fee is applied for handling and processing customs paperwork and clearance for international shipments.

Storage

A fee is applied for holding a shipment at a warehouse or terminal if the consignee is not available to receive the shipment

Appointment Delivery

A fee is applied to cover the cost of scheduling and coordinating a specific delivery time or window.

Location Requirements

Residential

When shipping to a residential address, it’s essential to ensure that someone will be available to receive the shipment during delivery hours. Certain carriers may have specific requirements or surcharges for residential deliveries.

Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities may have specific requirements for receiving medical supplies, including temperature control, sterile conditions, or hazardous material handling.

Remote or Rural

Deliveries to remote or rural areas may require special considerations, such as limited infrastructure, longer transit times, or alternative transportation methods like off-road vehicles or air freight. Accessibility and coordination with local authorities or community representatives may be necessary.

Commercial

Commercial locations typically have more flexibility for shipping. However, it’s still important to consider any specific instructions for delivery access, loading docks, or restricted areas within the building.

Warehouses or Distribution Centers

These locations may have specific receiving procedures, such as scheduled appointments or guidelines for unloading goods. It’s crucial to coordinate with the facility to ensure a smooth delivery process.

Construction Sites

When shipping to construction sites, coordination with the site manager or contractor is essential. Considerations may include access limitations, safety protocols, and adherence to construction schedules.

Tradeshow or Event Venues

Shipping to trade shows or event venues often involves adherence to strict timelines, advance shipment arrangements, and coordination with show organizers for booth or exhibit setup.

How to Mitigate Accessorial Charges

Before booking any shipment in SMARTT Shipping, verify your shipping requirements and ensure you have accounted for everything. Doing the upfront work will help you avoid many additional charges.
Double check everything you have inputted into SMARTT Shipping to ensure it is accurate and there are no mistakes.
Connect with your customers to determine whether they have a dock or are able to offload the product with a forklift themselves.
Check to see if the address in which your customer resides is residential or commercial.
Share the above page with your customers and let them know that all of these services are additional charges.