Accessorials are charges for services beyond a standard dock-to-dock LTL move. The most common are liftgate, residential delivery, limited access, inside delivery, delivery appointment, and reweigh or reclass. Almost all surprise charges on a freight invoice are accessorials that were not requested at quote time.
Charges for the delivery location
- Liftgate: the site has no dock or forklift, so the truck lowers the pallet to the ground.
- Residential: delivery to a home or a business run from a home.
- Limited access: sites that are hard for a truck to serve, such as schools, churches, construction sites, farms, storage units and military bases.
- Inside delivery: the driver moves the freight past the dock or threshold.
Charges for timing
- Appointment or notify before delivery: the carrier must schedule or call ahead.
- Guaranteed or time-definite service: delivery by a set day or hour.
- Redelivery: the first delivery attempt failed.
- Detention: the driver waited longer than the free time allowed.
Charges for the freight itself
- Reweigh and reclass: the carrier's measurements differ from the bill of lading.
- Overlength: a piece is longer than the carrier's limit, often 8 to 12 feet.
- Hazardous materials: regulated freight that needs placards and paperwork.
- Protect from freeze: heated service in cold months.
How to avoid surprises
Ask the receiver three questions before you quote: is there a dock or forklift, is the address a business in a commercial area, and do they require an appointment. Put the answers in the quote so the price already includes what the delivery will need.
Common questions
Who pays accessorial charges?
Whoever is paying the freight bill, unless the terms of sale say otherwise. If the receiver adds a service at delivery, the charge still lands on the invoice.
Can I dispute an accessorial charge?
Yes, when you have evidence, such as a delivery receipt showing a dock was used or a weight certificate. Your freight provider should file the dispute for you.
Written by the MeritSpan Logistics team. Last reviewed November 9, 2026. Figures are typical values; equipment and carrier rules vary.