#accessorialcharges

💸 Top 10 Shipping Mistakes – #8: Ignoring Accessorial Charges Small extras that can add up to big surprises.

Accessorial charges are additional fees carriers apply for services beyond standard pickup and delivery. When shippers overlook or fail to disclose these needs—like liftgates, residential delivery, inside service, or limited access locations—they often face unexpected costs.

🚫 What happens: • Freight quotes don’t reflect the real total • Carriers bill extra after delivery • Surprise charges upset clients and hurt margins

❌ Result: Increased shipping costs and unhappy customers.

✅ How to avoid it: • Identify special service needs before booking • Communicate accessorials clearly to your broker or carrier • Include them in freight quotes and customer pricing • Request itemized rate breakdowns upfront

📌 Pro Tip: Create a simple checklist of common accessorials and verify them with your customers at order entry. Avoid surprises, protect your profits.

Planning for accessorials = smoother shipping, better budgeting, happier clients.

👉 Follow me for more in the Top 10 Shipping Mistakes series. Next up: #9 – Lack of Tracking and Communication.