Added services
Freight Accessorial Charges: LTL and Truckload Checklist
Identify services outside standard linehaul before pickup and understand which event-based charges can appear later.
Accessorials are charges for work beyond the standard transportation service. Common examples include liftgate, non-commercial or residential service, appointments, inside service, limited access, detention, redelivery, storage, overlength, reweigh and reclassification; the exact definition and amount come from the governing tariff or agreement.
What changes the result?
A useful calculation starts with the physical scope and the written commercial terms. These are the factors to make explicit:
- Pickup site type and dock access
- Delivery site type and unloading equipment
- Appointments, inside or limited-access service
- Waiting time, stops and redelivery
- Dimensions, weight and special handling
Use one scope for every quote
Give each business the same information and ask it to resolve the same boundaries. That makes the totals more comparable and exposes work left as an allowance or exclusion.
- Walk through both locations before rating
- Request known services in writing
- Read triggers and free-time definitions
- Keep arrival, departure and delivery evidence
Known services should be declared before dispatch
Liftgate, residential, limited-access, inside and appointment requirements affect equipment and stop planning. Old Dominion advises including them in the rate estimate rather than waiting for the invoice.
Event-based charges need definitions
Detention depends on when time starts, free time and the recorded release. Redelivery, storage, reconsignment, corrected weight or class and attempted service each depend on governing rules and shipment evidence.
A tariff example is not a universal price list
Carrier brochures and tariffs show the variety of triggers, but pricing can vary by carrier, agreement and date. Use the exact current document incorporated into the rate confirmation.
Questions people ask
What is a freight accessorial charge?
It is a fee for a service or event beyond the standard transportation scope defined by the governing rate and rules.
Is liftgate service an accessorial?
It commonly is. Request it at pickup, delivery or both where the site lacks suitable loading equipment.
Can accessorials be added after delivery?
Yes. Detention, redelivery, storage, reweigh and reclassification can be identified after the initial estimate, depending on the facts and rules.
Where do I find the actual charge?
Use the current tariff, contract or rate confirmation that governs the shipment. Do not copy another carrier's amount.
Method and sources
The model is a planning tool, not a quotation. These are the published sources used for this page; read the full assumptions before relying on a range. Source review: 14 September 2026.
- Old Dominion accessorial-charge guide
Carrier definitions and examples for liftgate, non-commercial, appointment, detention, inside and redelivery services; reviewed 14 September 2026.
- Old Dominion current tariff register
Current carrier rules, tariff and non-binding accessorial-reference boundary; reviewed 14 September 2026.
- Old Dominion accessorial reference
Current dated examples of minimums, capacity-load triggers and liability limits that must be checked against the governing tariff; reviewed 14 September 2026.