Accessorials: A Guide for
LTL Shippers

This resource explains less-than-truckload (LTL) accessorials, including common services and fees, when they apply and how they impact total LTL freight shipping costs.

Definition of LTL Accessorials and Charges

Accessorials are additional services required during LTL shipments that result in fees beyond the freight base rate. These services are added to the Bill of Lading (BOL) and help inform the carrier of the shipment requirements.

Role of Accessorials in LTL Shipping

Accessorials account for any service that goes beyond standard dock-to-dock pickup and delivery.

If shipment requirements aren’t clearly identified at booking:

- Unexpected fees may be added to the freight bill
- Shipments may be delayed or mishandled
- LTL carriers may arrive without the necessary equipment

When Accessorial Charges Apply

Accessorials are typically required when LTL shipment conditions involve:

- No loading dock at pickup or delivery
- Residential or restricted access sites
- Scheduled delivery requirements
- Oversized or non-standard LTL freight
- Incorrect shipment details
- Commodities that require special handling or certification to haul

Common LTL Accessorial Charges

Standard accessorial charges include:

Appointment Delivery: Required when delivery must occur within a scheduled time window coordinated with the receiving location.

California Compliance: Required for shipments moving to or from California to meet state-specific regulatory and equipment standards.

Corrected Bill of Lading (BOL): Applies when shipment details must be updated due to incomplete or incorrect information on the original BOL.

Extreme Length or Oversized Freight: Applies to shipments that exceed standard size limits and require specialized handling or equipment.

Inside Pickup or Delivery: Applies when the driver must enter a building rather than completing service at the dock or curb.

Lift Gate Service: Required when freight must be moved between the truck and ground at locations without a loading dock.

Limited-Access Location: Applies to deliveries at facilities with restricted entry, such as schools, military bases, government buildings and correctional facilities.

Residential LTL Delivery: Used when delivering to a non-commercial address. Often requires liftgate service due to lack of dock access.

Reweigh or Reclassification: Occurs when documented shipment weight or freight class is inaccurate, resulting in pricing adjustments and additional fees.

Sort and Segment: Charged when freight must be separated, organized or grouped based on specific criteria – such as product type, SKU or brand.

Hazmat: Applies when hazardous materials are being shipped and requires specific driver certification and handling requirements to haul safely.

Reducing Unexpected Accessorial Charges

Any shipment that is not a standard dock-to-dock move will likely require one or more accessorial charges. Accurate planning and documentation are the most effective ways to control costs and avoid delays.

When booking your LTL shipment:

- Confirm pickup and delivery conditions
- Identify any access, equipment or scheduling requirements
- Ensure weight, dimensions and National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) number are accurate
- Include all required services in the booking

A quick call, email or chat with your third-party logistics (3PL) provider can help you determine which accessorials your shipment may need.