Freight Accessorials
What They Are and How to Manage Them
Discover the importance of accessorials in shipping and logistics. Learn how these additional services, such as liftgate, inside delivery, and residential surcharges, can enhance your shipping experience. Explore our comprehensive guide and optimize your freight operations with the right accessorials.
Freight shipping isn’t always as simple as getting from point A to point B. Sometimes, you need extra help. That’s where freight accessorials come in.
Accessorials are additional services beyond standard dock-to-dock delivery. Maybe you need a liftgate, residential delivery, inside pickup, or help unloading. These services support shippers when the freight requires something more than a standard delivery, and understanding how they work can save you time and money.
At FreightCenter, we help you identify, plan for, and optimize your accessorial needs to avoid surprises and maintain control over your shipping costs.
What Are Freight Accessorials?
Freight accessorials are optional or sometimes required services added to a standard freight shipment. Think of them as add-ons that accommodate the real-world challenges of shipping freight, like a lack of a loading dock, limited manpower, or tight delivery windows.
Shippers often don’t realize they need an accessorial until the carrier arrives and is unable to complete the job. That leads to delays, frustration, and extra fees. Planning ahead with FreightCenter helps prevent all that.
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
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Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Common Freight Accessorial Charges
Here are some of the most frequent accessorial services we see at FreightCenter:
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Liftgate service: Used when there’s no loading dock.
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Inside pickup/delivery: Carriers go beyond the curb and enter a facility.
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Limited access: Locations like schools, churches, or construction sites.
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Residential delivery: Any non-commercial address, including home-based businesses.
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Re-delivery: If delivery fails the first time.
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Notification service: Call-ahead or delivery appointments.
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Sort and segregate: For shipments that require itemized handling.
These aren’t just minor conveniences. They’re essential for certain freight shipments, and they come with costs.
How to Avoid Unexpected Fees
The best way to avoid extra charges is to know your shipment’s and delivery location’s details ahead of time. At FreightCenter, our freight experts help you assess your needs up front, so you’re not hit with surprise charges later.
Be clear about:
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Whether your pickup or drop-off location has a dock or forklift.
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If the address is residential or commercial.
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If appointments or special equipment are needed.
We help match your shipment with the right carrier and quote to ensure all accessorials are included—and accurately priced—before you book.
How FreightCenter Helps With Accessorials
FreightCenter is more than just a freight broker. We’re your shipping partner, and we guide you through every step of the process—from booking the right service to ensuring a smooth delivery.
Here’s how we make accessorials easy:
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Upfront identification: We help you pinpoint exactly which accessorials you need.
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Accurate quoting: No surprise charges. We quote based on real needs, not best guesses.
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Carrier coordination: We work with carriers to schedule accessorials in advance.
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Tracking and support: Our team monitors shipments and resolves issues fast.
At FreightCenter, we know shipping isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why every service we offer can be fine-tuned with the freight accessorials you actually need. Whether it’s a liftgate at delivery, limited access pickup, or inside delivery, we help you plan ahead—so there are no surprises later.
Budget-friendly for smaller freight, with customizable options like residential delivery and appointment scheduling.
Full or partial trailer use is ideal for larger freight that requires extra services, such as driver assistance or detention time.
Need it there fast? We'll walk you through add-ons like same-day service or team drivers to make it happen.
Shipping something heavy, delicate, or high-value? White gloves, blanket wraps, and oversized accessorials are all in our wheelhouse.

Which Freight Accessorials are Most Commonly Used?
The freight accessorial that is used the most can vary depending on the specific industry, shipping requirements, and customer preferences. However, some accessorial services tend to be more commonly used than others due to their widespread applicability. Among the commonly used accessorials, the following are often in high demand:
- Liftgate Service: Liftgate service is frequently used because many pickup and delivery locations do not have loading docks or forklifts. It is especially essential when dealing with heavy or oversized items that require assistance with loading and unloading.
- Residential Surcharge: Since a significant portion of deliveries are made to residential addresses, the residential surcharge is a commonly applied accessorial. It covers the additional time and effort required for deliveries to residential areas.
- Notification Services: In an era of heightened customer expectations and communication, notification services are frequently utilized. Keeping recipients informed about shipment progress and estimated delivery times helps improve customer satisfaction and allows for better coordination.
- Redelivery or Reattempt: When initial delivery attempts are unsuccessful due to various reasons, such as the recipient’s absence or an incorrect address, redelivery or reattempt services are commonly utilized. They ensure that shipments reach their intended destinations without delays.
These accessorials are considered the most commonly used due to their broad applicability across different industries and customer needs. However, the specific usage may vary depending on factors such as the nature of the goods being shipped, the type of customers being served, and the shipping patterns of a particular company or industry. It’s important for businesses to assess their unique requirements and choose the accessorials that best align with their shipping operations and customer expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Freight Accessorials Explained
Q. What are freight accessorials?
Freight accessorials are additional services or charges associated with the transportation of freight that goes beyond the standard freight rate. These services can include extra handling, special equipment, storage, or other non-standard requirements.
Q. Why are freight accessorials charged?
Freight accessorials are charged to cover the costs incurred by carriers or logistics providers for providing additional services or accommodating specific requests from shippers or consignees. These charges reflect the extra time, effort, or resources required to meet unique shipping requirements.
Q. What are some standard freight accessorials?
Common freight accessorials include:
Liftgate service: A charge for using a hydraulic liftgate to load or unload freight when no loading dock is available.
Inside delivery: Additional fees for delivering freight inside a building or to a specific location within a facility.
Residential delivery: Charges are applied when delivering freight to a residential address rather than a commercial location.
Detention: Fees for waiting at a pickup or delivery location beyond the allotted free time.
Redelivery: Charges incurred when a carrier has to make an additional delivery attempt due to an unsuccessful initial delivery.
Hazmat fees: Extra charges for transporting hazardous materials due to the required specialized handling and safety precautions.
Q. How are freight accessorials typically billed?
Freight accessorials are typically billed separately from the standard freight rate. The charges may be based on predetermined rates or negotiated on a case-by-case basis. They can be listed as separate line items on the invoice or specified in the carrier’s pricing agreement.
Q. Can I negotiate or waive freight accessorials?
In some cases, freight accessorials may be negotiable, especially if you have a long-term or high-volume relationship with the carrier or logistics provider. It is advisable to discuss your specific needs with the carrier and explore the possibility of negotiating or waiving certain accessorials. However, remember that not all accessorials may be negotiable, especially those involving third-party services or regulatory compliance.
Q. How can I minimize the impact of freight accessorials on my costs?
To minimize the impact of freight accessorials on your costs, it’s essential to communicate your requirements clearly to the carrier or logistics provider. Provide accurate and detailed information about the shipment’s characteristics, including pickup and delivery locations, as well as any special handling or service needs. Proper planning, coordination, and proactive communication can help reduce the need for additional services and associated charges.
Remember, the specific freight accessorials and their terms can vary among carriers and logistics providers. It’s always recommended to consult with your service provider to understand their policies, charges, and potential negotiation options regarding freight accessorials.
Q. How do I know which accessorials I need?
Talk to a FreightCenter expert. We’ll assess your pickup and drop-off details, as well as your shipping requirements, to recommend the most suitable options.
Q. Can I add accessorials after booking a shipment?
Sometimes, yes, but it may delay delivery or increase costs. It’s best to include accessorials during the quote process.
Q. What happens if I forget to include an accessorial?
You may incur surprise fees or experience delivery issues. We help prevent that with upfront planning and support.
Q. Are accessorial charges included in my FreightCenter quote?
Yes, when properly disclosed. We work with you to include necessary accessorials in the original quote.
Q. What’s the most common accessorial service?
Liftgate service is one of the most frequently used options, especially for businesses or homes without docks.
Q. Is residential delivery only for houses?
No—any address not zoned commercial, including home-based businesses or rural locations, counts as residential.
Q. Why do carriers charge for accessorials?
These services require more time, equipment, or labor than standard shipping.