There are many factors that determine freight delivery charges. Two of the most obvious ones are the distance the freight must travel and the freight class that applies. However, there are other, more subtle issues that can affect your freight charges, including freight accessorials. Here’s everything you need to know about freight accessorials and how you can minimize them to cut your shipping costs.
Defining Freight Accessorials
A standard quote for freight delivery services covers the cost of transporting items from one dock to another dock. Any extra charges beyond the dock-to-dock transportation are considered freight accessorials. For example, let’s say you’ve requested that your delivery be placed inside the facility, rather than on the dock. Since an inside delivery requires extra equipment and time, an extra fee will apply.
Exploring the Types of Freight Accessorials
There are a few different types of freight accessorials, including administrative, in transit, and equipment. Administrative accessorials are usually caused by inaccuracies within the bill of lading (BOL). In transit accessorials can be incurred if a shipment must be rerouted, a shipment wasn’t picked up, or the driver doesn’t have direct access to the destination. Equipment accessorials are incurred when special equipment is required and not specified in the BOL. An example is a liftgate.
Avoiding Freight Accessorials
If you find that your company is paying more than expected for freight accessorials, it’s time to audit your practices to determine where you can cut costs. One possibility to consider is to invest in an automated dimensionalizer. This device measures the freight’s dimensions and calculates its weight automatically. It can help you avoid extra fees for improper dimensions or oversize adjustments. Bill of lading accessorials are also quite common. These can be avoided by double- checking each BOL for accuracy before the shipment is sent out.
Xcel Delivery Services is an industry leader in freight transport, offering expedited freight options and LTL shipping. Our professional drivers can deliver loads of any size in Arizona or beyond. Connect with our friendly team in Phoenix today at (602) 368-1300 to request a quote.
