Ever Been Surprised by an Unexpected Shipping Fee?
You’ve booked your less-than-truckload (LTL) shipment, gotten your quote, and everything seems on track. But then—boom. You’re hit with an unexpected charge after delivery. Maybe it was a liftgate fee, a limited access surcharge, or a detention charge.
Sound familiar?
Accessorial charges in LTL shipping can feel like a game of “gotcha,” and they add up fast. According to a recent study by FreightWaves, accessorials can account for up to 20% of a total LTL bill when not properly managed.
So how do you avoid these fees and keep your freight budget intact? That’s exactly what we’ll break down today.
What Are Accessorial Charges in LTL Shipping?
Accessorial charges are extra fees added to your freight invoice for services that go beyond standard dock-to-dock pickup and delivery.
Common LTL accessorials include:
- Liftgate service
- Inside delivery or pickup
- Residential or limited access locations
- Reweigh or reclassification charges
- Redelivery fees
- Detention or layover charges
Most of these can be avoided—or at least reduced—through better planning and clear communication.
Top Strategies to Avoid LTL Accessorial Charges
1. Know What You’re Shipping—and Be Accurate
One of the easiest ways to get hit with unexpected charges? Mislabeling your freight.
Best practices:
- Confirm dimensions, weight, and freight class in advance
- Use certified scales and measurement tools
- Double-check the NMFC code for classification accuracy
Incorrect weight or class can trigger reweigh fees and reclassification charges, which can cost you hundreds per shipment.
According to Inbound Logistics, accurate weight and class data can reduce invoice disputes by over 60%.
2. Disclose Special Services Upfront
Need a liftgate? Inside delivery? Extra labor? Don’t surprise your carrier.
When you provide complete shipment details during booking, carriers can price accordingly—and you avoid unexpected charges post-delivery.
Be upfront about:
- Type of delivery location (residential, construction site, school, etc.)
- Equipment needs (liftgate, pallet jack)
- Special instructions or time windows
3. Use the Right Packaging and Palletization
Carriers love neat, stackable freight. Not only does it help with space optimization, but it also prevents damage—and surprise fees.
Tips:
- Use standard 48×40” pallets where possible
- Stretch-wrap freight securely and evenly
- Avoid overhang that increases dimensional weight
Also, ensure your freight is stable. Loose or poorly packaged shipments can lead to repacking fees or claims.
4. Schedule Properly—And Stick to It
LTL carriers run on tight timelines. If your shipment isn’t ready or there’s a delay at pickup or delivery, you could face detention or redelivery charges.
Avoid this by:
- Having freight ready by the scheduled pickup time
- Ensuring someone is available at delivery
- Confirming dock access for larger trucks
Even five minutes of delay can result in a detention fee, especially in peak season.
5. Avoid Limited Access Locations When Possible
Did you know that delivering to a golf course or a church can cost extra?
Limited access fees apply to:
- Schools and universities
- Military bases and government sites
- Gated communities
- Churches, camps, and resorts
If possible, reroute your delivery to a nearby commercial location or warehouse.
6. Work with a 3PL or Freight Broker
Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) know the ins and outs of LTL accessorials. They can:
- Help you accurately quote shipments
- Flag potential accessorial risks
- Negotiate better rates and waived fees
Some brokers even have TMS tools that track common charge types and alert you before a mistake happens.
According to Forbes, shippers who partner with a 3PL save up to 12% on freight costs annually.
7. Audit Your Freight Bills
Carriers make mistakes too. Regular freight bill audits can help catch incorrect charges and recover funds.
Look for:
- Charges for services not rendered
- Duplicate accessorials
- Incorrect weight or dimensions
Consider using an auditing software or third-party audit service for high-volume shipments.
Real-World Example: A Retailer’s Freight Surprise
A mid-size home goods retailer began seeing rising LTL costs during holiday season shipping. After a thorough freight audit, they discovered recurring liftgate and limited access charges that hadn’t been disclosed during booking.
The fix?
- Updated their internal booking SOPs
- Implemented carrier notes to flag special services
- Trained warehouse staff to verify pickup/delivery requirements
Within one quarter, they cut unexpected LTL fees by 35%.
FAQ: Avoiding Accessorial Charges
1. What’s the most common accessorial fee in LTL shipping?
Liftgate and limited access fees are among the most frequent. These typically cost between $50–$100 per occurrence.
2. Can I negotiate accessorial fees with carriers?
Yes. Many carriers are willing to waive or reduce certain charges if they’re disclosed upfront or if you have consistent volume.
3. What tools help avoid these fees?
Transportation Management Systems (TMS), freight audit tools, and working with a 3PL can all help identify and reduce accessorial risks.
4. How do I know if a location is considered limited access?
Carriers often maintain a list of ZIP codes or site types that qualify. When in doubt, ask your rep or broker.
5. Should I always use a broker to book LTL freight?
Not always—but for complex shipments or unfamiliar routes, brokers can add major value by catching potential accessorials in advance.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Hidden Fees Eat Your Freight Budget
Avoiding accessorial charges in LTL shipping isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about planning smarter, communicating better, and partnering with the right people.
So next time you book an LTL shipment, think like a chess player. Plan three moves ahead, anticipate the what-ifs, and you’ll be miles ahead of the game.