Accessorials

Why You’ll Need Freight Shipping Accessorials

You’d be surprised how many accessorials there are and how often they are overlooked. For example, are you shipping to or from a home-based business? Many shippers mistakenly qualify a home-based business as a commercial location when it’s residential, which is an accessorial because drivers must maneuver freight trucks through tight suburban streets.

Even the simplest of shipments could seem like they don’t need any additional freight services but end up needing them. This often happens with the liftgate accessorial. Any freight weighing over 100 pounds will require a liftgate to have it loaded onto the truck and unloaded from the truck.

Shipping temperature-sensitive freight? While your weather might be sunny and beautiful, your shipment could pass through cold conditions during transit. You will likely need to add freeze protection services to ensure your cargo stays at the optimal temperature and isn’t compromised by cold weather conditions.

Services needed for a shipment but were not requested initially end up being charged to the shipper post-shipment completion. So, you need to be extra careful when filling out a freight quote to ensure any accessorials you need are requested so there aren’t any surprise charges further down the line.

Freight shipping accessorials are additional services or options that can be added to a standard freight shipment to accommodate specific requirements or circumstances. While not every shipment will require accessorials, there are various situations where they can be highly beneficial. Here are some reasons why you may need freight shipping accessorials:

Special Handling: Certain shipments, such as fragile or sensitive goods, may require special handling to ensure safe transportation. Accessorials like liftgate service, inside delivery, or white glove service provide the necessary care and attention to handle delicate items properly.

Delivery to Limited Access Locations: Some delivery locations, such as construction sites, government facilities, or remote areas, may have restricted access or unique requirements. Accessorials like limited access delivery or special instructions allow carriers to navigate these challenges and successfully deliver the freight.

Residential Delivery: Accessorials like residential surcharge or appointment delivery may be necessary if your shipment is being delivered to a residential address instead of a commercial or business location. They account for the additional time and effort involved in delivering to a residential area and ensure a smooth and timely delivery process.

Time-Sensitive Deliveries: When timing is critical, expedited service can be selected as an accessorial. This option prioritizes the shipment and ensures faster transit times, allowing you to meet tight deadlines and urgent customer demands.

Trade Show or Event Logistics: Shipping to trade shows or events often requires specialized services like trade show delivery, booth delivery, or inside pickup. These accessorials cater to the unique requirements of such occasions, ensuring that your exhibit materials or products arrive on time and are handled correctly.

Storage or Warehousing: Accessorials like storage services can be utilized if your shipment needs temporary storage or warehousing before final delivery. This is particularly useful when coordinating complex logistics or when the recipient is not ready to receive the goods immediately.

Hazardous Materials Handling: Additional accessorials are essential for shipments containing hazardous materials to comply with safety regulations. These services ensure proper protocols for handling, labeling, and transporting dangerous goods.

Using freight shipping accessorials allows you to customize your shipping experience to meet specific needs, enhance customer satisfaction, and overcome logistical challenges. Working closely with your freight carrier or logistics provider is essential to identify the most suitable accessorials for your shipments and ensure smooth and efficient transportation from pickup to final delivery.

How to Know Which Accessorials to Use

So, we’ve covered what are accessorials and where they fit into the picture, but how do you know when you’ll need them? And which specific ones are typically needed the most often? Some of the most common accessorials include:

Determining which accessorials to use for your freight shipments depends on several factors. Here are some steps to help you identify the appropriate accessorials for your specific needs:

Understand Your Shipment Requirements: Start by assessing the nature of your shipment. Consider its size, weight, fragility, special handling needs, and specific delivery requirements. This will help you identify potential areas where accessorials might be necessary.

Evaluate Pickup and Delivery Locations: Consider your shipments’ pickup and delivery locations. Are there any challenges or restrictions at these locations, such as limited access, residential addresses, or lack of loading/unloading equipment? This information will guide you in selecting relevant accessorials.

Consider Time Sensitivity: Determine if your shipment has any time-sensitive requirements. If strict delivery deadlines or urgency are involved, you may need to opt for accessorials that expedite transit times, such as expedited service or guaranteed delivery.

Assess Special Handling Needs: If your shipment contains fragile, sensitive, or hazardous materials, you should prioritize accessorials that ensure proper handlings, such as liftgate service, inside delivery, or hazardous materials handling. These accessorials help protect your goods and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Consult with Your Freight Carrier or Logistics Provider: Contact your freight carrier or logistics provider to discuss your shipment requirements. They have expertise in shipping logistics and can guide the appropriate accessorials based on their experience and knowledge of industry best practices.

Consider Cost and Budget: Evaluate the costs associated with different accessorials and assess their impact on your shipping budget. Determine which accessorials are essential for your shipment and prioritize them accordingly.

Review Customer Expectations: Consider the expectations of your customers or recipients. If they have specific delivery preferences or requirements, such as inside delivery or notification services, consider incorporating the corresponding accessorials to meet their expectations and enhance customer satisfaction.

Regularly Review and Update: As your shipping needs evolve, review and update your accessorials. Stay informed about new services or options your freight carrier offers and adapt your selections accordingly.

By considering these steps and working closely with your freight carrier or logistics provider, you can decide which accessorials to use for your shipments. Remember to balance your specific requirements, budget, and customer expectations to optimize your shipping processes and ensure a smooth and successful delivery experience.

Liftgate Service: Liftgate service is an accessorial service offered by freight carriers and logistics providers. It involves using a hydraulic liftgate attached to a truck or trailer, which assists in loading and unloading freight that is too heavy or bulky to be lifted manually or doesn’t have a loading dock available.

Here’s how a liftgate service works:

Loading: The hydraulic liftgate is deployed from the vehicle’s rear when the truck arrives at the pickup location. The liftgate platform is lowered to ground level or the height of the loading dock.

Freight Placement: The freight or pallets are then placed onto the liftgate platform by forklift, hand truck, or other means. This is particularly helpful for heavy items, large equipment, or shipments not easily moved by hand.

Lifting: Once the freight is securely positioned on the liftgate platform, the hydraulic system raises the platform back to the level of the truck bed. This eliminates the need for manual lifting or additional equipment to transfer the freight into the truck.

Transportation: The freight, now safely loaded onto the truck, is transported to the destination.
Unloading: Upon arrival at the delivery location, the hydraulic liftgate is used again to lower the freight from the truck bed to ground level or to the appropriate height for unloading. This ensures a safe and efficient unloading process, especially when no loading dock or equipment is available at the destination.

Liftgate service is particularly beneficial when shipping to or from locations without a loading dock, such as residential areas, small businesses, or construction sites. It eliminates the need for specialized equipment or workforce to load or unload heavy or oversized freight. This service helps prevent injuries, minimize handling damage, and streamline the logistics process.

It’s important to note that liftgate service may have weight and size limitations, so it’s advisable to communicate the specific details of your shipment with your freight carrier or logistics provider to ensure they can accommodate your requirements. Liftgate service is typically selected as an accessorial option during the booking process and may involve an additional fee.

Residential Services: Residential services in the context of freight shipping refer to a range of accessorial options designed to facilitate the delivery of shipments to residential addresses. Unlike commercial or business locations, residential areas often present unique challenges for carriers due to limited access, parking restrictions, or the need to navigate narrow streets.

Residential Delivery: This service is tailored to deliver shipments to residential addresses. To ensure successful delivery, it considers the nuances of residential areas, such as driveways, front door access, or apartment complexes. Here are some standard residential services offered by freight carriers:

Appointment Delivery: With appointment delivery, the carrier contacts the recipient to schedule a specific delivery window. This ensures that someone can receive the shipment at the residence, avoiding missed deliveries or the need for re-delivery attempts.

Inside Delivery: Inside delivery involves transporting the shipment beyond the threshold of the residence and placing it in a designated area inside the home. This service can be beneficial for heavy or bulky items requiring placement assistance.

Residential Surcharge: Some carriers impose a residential surcharge to account for the additional time and resources required for deliveries to residential addresses. This fee covers the added complexities of navigating residential areas and addressing specific delivery challenges.

Notification Services: Carriers may offer notification services to keep the recipient informed about the progress of their delivery. This can include automated notifications via email or SMS, updating shipment tracking, estimated delivery times, or any changes to the delivery schedule.

Call Before Delivery: This service allows the recipient to receive a phone call from the carrier’s driver before the delivery, providing a heads-up and allowing them to make necessary arrangements.

By offering these residential services, carriers aim to ensure a smooth and satisfactory delivery experience for customers receiving shipments at their homes. These services address the unique considerations of residential areas, enabling timely and efficient deliveries while minimizing inconveniences for both the recipient and the carrier.

When shipping to a residential address, you must communicate your specific requirements with your freight carrier or logistics provider. They can guide you on the available residential services and associated fees, helping you choose the options that best meet your needs while ensuring successful delivery to your residential location.

Limited Access Location: In freight shipping, limited access refers to locations with restricted access or pose challenges for carriers during pickup or delivery. These locations often require additional time, effort, or specialized equipment to complete the shipping process successfully. Limited access points can be found in various settings, including commercial establishments, residential areas, construction sites, educational institutions, government buildings, and more.

Construction Sites: Shipping to or from construction sites can present difficulties due to restricted entry, limited parking space, or specific safety requirements. Carriers may need to navigate uneven terrain, coordinate with site managers, or use specialized equipment for loading and unloading.

Here are some examples of limited-access locations:

Schools and Universities: Delivering shipments to educational institutions can be challenging due to restricted access during school hours, designated delivery areas, or the need for coordination with administrative staff to ensure smooth delivery without disrupting campus activities.

Airports and Seaports: Shipping to or from airports and seaports can involve limited access areas, security protocols, and coordination with customs authorities. Carriers may require permits, clearances, or escorts to access restricted zones within these facilities.

Military Bases: Delivering to military bases often involves navigating security checkpoints and adhering to strict protocols. Carriers may need to coordinate with base personnel, provide advance notice, and obtain necessary clearances to access restricted areas.

Government Buildings: Shipping to government facilities, such as courthouses, embassies, or government offices, may require compliance with security measures, restricted parking, or specific delivery procedures. Carriers may need to provide detailed information in advance and follow protocols the facility sets.

Gated Communities or Secure Residential Areas: Shipping to gated communities or secure residential areas may require special access arrangements. Carriers may need gate codes, entry permits, or coordination with security personnel to ensure smooth delivery.

Rural or Remote Locations: Deliveries to rural or remote areas can present challenges due to limited infrastructure, long distances, or challenging road conditions. Carriers may need to allocate additional time and resources for these deliveries.

Understanding and addressing limited access points can help ensure a successful and efficient shipping process to these unique locations. They can guide the applicable accessorial services and any additional fees and ensure proper coordination to overcome potential challenges. You must communicate the details to your freight carrier or logistics provider when shipping to limited-access locations.

Inside Pickup/Delivery: Inside pickup or delivery is an accessorial service provided by freight carriers that involve the handling of shipments beyond the standard point of pickup or delivery. It goes beyond the standard curbside service and includes freight transportation into or out of a specific area within a building or premises.

Inside Pickup: Inside pick up refers to collecting the shipment from inside a building or a specific area within a facility. This is particularly useful when the load is away from the main entrance or loading dock. The carrier’s personnel will enter the designated area and retrieve the freight, properly loading it onto the vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of inside pickup and inside delivery:

Inside Delivery: On the other hand, inside delivery involves transporting the shipment from the carrier’s vehicle into a specific area within the delivery location. The carrier’s personnel will unload the cargo and ensure it is safely delivered to the desired location. This service is often requested when the recipient requires assistance placing the freight in a particular room, floor, or designated area within their facility.

Inside pickup and delivery services are commonly used when the nature of the shipment or the facility’s layout requires additional assistance or resources. It is particularly beneficial for large or heavy items, delicate goods, or locations lacking appropriate equipment or workforce for freight moving.

It’s important to note that inside pickup and delivery services are typically requested in advance and may involve an additional fee, as they require extra time, effort, and personnel from the carrier. The specific details, requirements, and associated costs can be discussed and arranged with the freight carrier or logistics provider during the booking process.

By opting for inside pickup or delivery, shippers and recipients can ensure that their valuable or sensitive shipments are handled with care, placed in the desired location, and minimize the risks of damage or mishandling during transportation.

Explore the intricate world of accessorials and gain valuable insights by accessing our comprehensive Guide to Accessorials. This detailed resource provides a closer look at the various types of accessorials and their significance in optimizing your supply chain operations. For those seeking a quicker reference, our convenient Most Common Accessorials one-pager is readily available for download.

Partner with a Trusted Ally

Ensuring that your supply chain remains efficient and cost-effective is a top priority for every small business operator. To take full control over your expenses and streamline your shipping processes, it is essential to collaborate with a reliable and experienced third-party logistics company (3PL) like FreightCenter. With our extensive industry knowledge and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, we are your trusted partner in navigating the complex world of accessorials.

Benefit from Our Expert Guidance

At FreightCenter, we understand the importance of accurate accessorials in minimizing costs and maximizing operational efficiency. Our team of shipping experts is dedicated to helping you identify the specific accessorials required for your shipments right from the start. By leveraging our expertise and advanced technology, we ensure you have the necessary transport services to successfully transport your freight.

Take the First Step

Embark on your journey to streamlined shipping processes and cost optimization by obtaining a free online quote today. Our user-friendly platform enables you to input your shipment details effortlessly and receive a comprehensive quote tailored to your specific needs. Alternatively, you can contact our knowledgeable team directly at 800.716.7608 to discuss your shipping requirements.

Join the satisfied customers who have entrusted their shipping operations to FreightCenter. Experience the convenience, reliability, and peace of mind of partnering with a trusted industry leader. Let us handle the complexities of accessorials while you focus on growing your business and achieving your goals. Contact us today and unlock a world of shipping solutions tailored to your unique needs.