Understanding Accessorial Charges for Drayage

Drayage is one of those things in logistics that keeps the whole supply chain moving even if it doesn’t always get the spotlight. It’s all about getting containers from ports to where they need to go. This could be from a warehouse, distribution center, or rail hub. 

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As important as drayage is, it typically comes with extra costs called accessorial charges. These are the fees that pop up when things don’t go exactly as planned or when special services are needed. Think of them as the ‘what if’ charges of logistics. In this article, we’re going to go over the most common accessorial charges, why they’re applied, and how to keep them from eating into your budget. 

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What Are Accessorial Charges? 

Let’s start with the basics. Accessorial charges are additional fees in drayage logistics that go beyond the standard container transport costs. These fees kick in when unexpected situations arise like delays at a port or extra equipment is needed for a shipment. Essentially, they’re there to make sure carriers are fairly compensated for the extra work or time spent on a job. 

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Here’s why these charges exists:

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• The reality is that delays are going to happen. No matter if it’s traffic or a miscommunication, things don’t always run on schedule. 
• Some shipments require more than the usual handling, such as refrigerated goods or hazardous materials. 
• Regulations and logistics needs can add extra steps, like securing permits for overweight cargo or making additional stops. 

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Understanding these charges is key to planning ahead and controlling your shipping costs.

Common Drayage Accessorial Charges Explained 

Accessorial charges can seem overwhelming, but understanding them can make a huge difference in managing your logistics costs. Here’s a closer look at the most common ones. 

Chassis Rental Fee

If your shipment requires a chassis, the wheeled frame used to transport containers, you’ll likely encounter a chassis rental fee. This charge typically runs about $40 a day. It’s especially common during peak shipping seasons when chassis availability can be tight. By planning ahead and reserving equipment early, you can often avoid unexpected rental fees. 

Pre-Pull

A pre-pull happens when a container is moved from the port to a yard before its scheduled delivery. This service can be a lifesaver when you need to avoid demurrage charges, which are fees for leaving containers at the port for too long. At $150 per occurrence, a pre-pull is often the more cost-effective option, especially during busy times when port delays are common. 

Chassis Split 

Sometimes, the chassis and container aren’t at the same location, and the carrier has to retrieve them separately. This extra step is called a chassis split, and it usually costs around $125 per occurrence. It covers the added time and fuel required for the carrier to coordinate the pairing of the chassis and container. 

Detention (Two Hours Free)

Detention charges apply when a truck is delayed at a pickup or delivery site beyond the allotted free time, which is usually two hours. After that, you’ll be charged about $1000 per hour. These fees compensate the carrier for lost time and help make sure trucks aren’t sitting idle for too long. 

Stop-Off Charges

If you shipment needs ot make multiple stops along the way, stop-off charges will apply. For the first stop, you might pay $75 plus $2 per mile, and for additional stops, it’s $125 plus $2 per mile. These charges account for the extra time, fuel, and coordination involved in making additional deliveries. 

Bobtail Charges 

A bobtail is when a truck operates without a trailer attached. While it might sound simple, bobtailing still incurs costs that can be up to 100% of the drayage rate. This fee covers the operational expenses of running the truck without cargo and is typically applied when a truck has to reposition for its next job. 

Overweight Charges 

If your cargo exceeds legal weight limits, you’ll face overweight charges. These fees, which are about $250 per occurrence, cover the cost of securing special permits and using reinforced equipment. Providing accurate weight details upfront can help avoid these surprise charges. 

Secure Yard Storage 

Sometimes, delivery schedules don’t align perfectly, and your container needs to be stored temporarily in a secure yard. This service costs about $50 per day. While it’s an added expense, it means your cargo is safe until it’s ready for final delivery. 

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Tolls

Toll fees are pretty straightforward. Anytime a truck uses a toll road, the cost is passed on to the shipper. These charges vary depending on the route but are an unavoidable part of certain deliveries. Planning routes carefully can sometimes minimize these expenses. 

Layover Charges 

Layover charges come into play when a driver has to wait overnight due to delivery delays. At $300 per occurrence, these fees compensate for lost time and cover lodging expenses for the driver. To avoid this, make sure that your delivery scheduled is realistic and that any potential delays are communicated early. 

Chassis Lift 

A chassis lift fee applies when a container needs to be lifted onto or off a chassis, typically during transfers. Thai service costs about $150 per occurrence. It’s a necessary step in many drayage operations and one that can be planned for to avoid last-minute surprises. 

Reefer Charges 

If you’re shipping refrigerated goods, you’ll encounter reefer charges. These fees are around $150 each time, and they cover the extra fuel and equipment needed to maintain the required temperature for your cargo. Make sure to coordinate reefer services in advance for smooth handling. 

Hazmat Charges 

Transporting hazardous materials comes with its own set of challenges and costs. Hazmat charges are typically around $150. They cover the special handling, permits, and compliance measures required to transport these materials safely. Double-checking compliance requirements can help prevent delays and additional fees. 

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How to Avoid Accessorial Charges 

Avoiding accessorial charges comes down to one main principle, and that’s planning ahead. The more you can anticipate potential issues, the better change you have of keeping your costs under control. Here are some tips on how to do so. 

Plan Your Shipments Carefully 

Many accessorial charges charges happen due to delays and inefficiencies. By scheduling pickups and deliveries as precisely as possible, you can prevent common fees like detention and layover charges. Work closely with carriers to confirm time slots and keep everything running smoothly. 

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Keep Open Communication with Carriers

Surprise changes can lead to surprise costs. If anything shifts in your schedule, notify your carrier immediately. Whether it’s a delay at the port or a last-minute destination change, clear communication can help avoid unnecessary charges. 

Verify Cargo Details in Advance

Miscalculated weight, missing documents, or unexpected special handling requirements can lead to overweight fees or hazmat charges. Before shipment, double-check all details to make sure everything is accurate and compliant. 

Optimize Routes and Reduce Extra Stops 

Toll and stop-off fees add up quickly. Plan routes that minimize toll roads and consolidate multiple deliveries whenever possible. If you know you’ll need multiple stops, discussing a bulk rate with your carrier might help reduce costs. 

Work with Experienced Logistics Partners 

A reliable logistics provider can help navigate regulations, secure permits ahead of time, and make sure your cargo moves efficiently. Having a trusted partner means fewer surprises and more cost-effective solutions. 

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