Dry Run Fees
In transportation and logistics, many factors play a role in pickup up, transporting, and delivering freight. Sometimes, operations don’t go according to plan, and shippers are susceptible to additional costs when that happens.
These additional costs are to compensate for carriers’ lost time and revenue. There are a few fees that carriers can charge shippers in cases of cancellations or inconveniences. One of these fees is called a dry run fee.
Here at FreightCenter, we will break down everything there is to know about a dry run fee and how you can avoid it on your next shipment.
What Is A Dry Run Fee?
So, what is a dry run fee? First and foremost, knowing what a dry run is is essential.
In the trucking industry, a dry run is when a trucker cannot pick up or deliver a shipment. This can occur for several reasons, including delay, miscommunication, or a failed cargo release on the shipper’s end.
No matter the reason, if a pickup is missed, it can result in a dry run fee. When this happens, the carrier typically must make an additional trip to pick up the missed cargo, and the shipper, or whoever is liable, gets charged for the extra trip – resulting in a dry run fee.
The fee typically runs between $75-$150. However, it’s important to note that a dry run fee can be added to other accessorial fees, such as detention and demurrage charges.
How To Avoid Dry Run Fees
Regarding shipping freight, there are many moving parts and sometimes unforeseeable circumstances that can result in a shipper incurring an additional fee. Although some things are out of your control, it’s essential to be as prepared as possible to try and avoid a fee.
First, it’s vital to have open lines of communication throughout the entire process. Confirming pickup and delivery times and locations, and updating all parties involved on any changes can keep everything on track.
Make sure to schedule your shipment wisely and ensure that it is ready to go. If plausible, try to avoid peak times or holidays when scheduling your pickup to reduce the chance of delays or cancellations.
It’s crucial to ensure your freight is properly packaged and ready to be picked up at the designated time and place agreed upon between you and the carrier. Provide precise details about the shipment to ensure that when the driver comes to pick up the freight, it can be loaded with no issues, and the driver can stay on schedule.
It is also imperative to know what policies are in place between you and the carrier so that you know what to expect if a cancellation or delay occurs and who is liable for any additional fees.
Avoiding dry run fees is essential for maintaining a smooth and cost-effective shipping operation. By supplying accurate information, maintaining thorough communication, and planning ahead, you can significantly reduce the risk of a dry run. By implementing these practices into your shipment plans, it can foster stronger relationships among parties involved, as well as create a more reliable and smoother shipping experience.
