When it comes to shipping freight, the base rate is only part of the picture. The real cost of freight often includes accessorial charges—extra fees applied for services beyond standard pickup and delivery. And if you’re not careful, they can sneak up on you and inflate your invoice fast.
At JA Group, we’re all about clear communication and freight transparency. No matter what you’re shipping, knowing the most common accessorial charges—and how to avoid them—can save you time, money, and frustration.
What Are Accessorial Charges?
Accessorials are additional services requested or required during transportation. They’re not included in your baseline linehaul rate, but they show up on your final bill if the carrier performs them. Here are the most common ones:
- Liftgate Service, when there’s no loading dock at pickup or delivery, and a hydraulic lift is needed to lower freight.
- Inside Delivery occurs when the carrier must move freight beyond the curb or dock into a building or a specific room.
- Reweigh if the actual weight of your shipment differs from the declared weight. Carriers will reweigh and charge for the difference.
- Reclassification occurs when the NMFC class doesn’t match what was quoted. Class discrepancies often lead to significant price jumps.
- Detention Time: if a driver waits beyond the allowed free time at pickup or delivery, usually 30 minutes.
- Limited Access applies to locations that are harder to reach or require special handling (e.g., schools, churches, construction sites).
- Appointment Delivery, for shipments requiring a pre-scheduled delivery time.
- Residential Fees apply to any delivery not going to a commercial location, even if it’s a business run from home.
How to Avoid Unexpected Freight Charges
Preventing surprise charges starts with accurate communication. Here’s how to keep your invoices clean:
- Provide Exact Freight Details, including weight, dimensions, and NMFC class. Round up when in doubt—underestimating can cost more than overestimating.
- Know the Delivery Site: is it a residence, a construction zone, or does it lack a dock? Be upfront so we can quote accordingly.
- Disclose Special Needs, if liftgates, inside delivery, or appointments are required, let us know during booking.
- Package securely; poorly packaged freight can shift or break, resulting in reclassification or handling fees.
- Avoid Detention, make sure your team is ready to load or unload during scheduled times.
- Use JA Group’s Expertise, and we’ll help you match the right equipment and carrier for your freight so there are no surprises later.
How JA Group Helps You Plan Around Charges
We’re not just a freight provider—we’re a logistics partner. With specialized services in drayage, transloading, and full-service warehousing, our team is trained to help you:
- Navigate carrier rate structures
- Quote accurately based on your actual shipment profile
- Coordinate with facilities to avoid unnecessary accessorials
- Pre-schedule deliveries to meet cut-off windows at port and rail terminals
- Provide transparency every step of the way
When you ship through JA Group, you benefit from local expertise and proactive planning—two key defenses against hidden fees.
Ask Before You Ship
The best way to avoid accessorial charges is simple: ask upfront. When we understand your freight, your timeline, and your delivery site, we can build a quote that reflects the actual cost—without unpleasant surprises.
Ready to move smarter? Contact JA Group to get a detailed quote and stop guessing your freight spend.
