Top 10 Most Common Accessorial Charges in the Trucking Industry: And Why They Matter for New Drivers
- Soshaul
- Jun 20
- 4 min read
When you’re just starting in the trucking industry, it’s easy to focus on the big picture, getting loads, hitting delivery windows, and keeping your truck on the road. But, if you want to protect your time and maximize your revenue, you’ll need to understand accessorial charges—the extra fees for services that go beyond standard pickup and delivery. Most of the time, these are figured and charged after delivery.
These charges can make the difference between a good-paying load and one that costs you money. Here are the top 10 most common accessorial charges, why they matter, and how (and when) to charge for them.
1. Detention
What it is: Extra pay for waiting at the shipper or receiver beyond the agreed free time (usually 2 hours).
Why it matters: Your time is money. Every hour spent waiting could be used driving or picking up another load.
When to charge: After the agreed-upon free time. Ensure your arrival and departure times are documented and signed.
2. Layover
What it is: Compensation for being stuck overnight (or longer) due to a scheduling issue not caused by the driver.
Why it matters: You lose drive time and possibly the chance to haul other loads.
When to charge: If you’re told to wait until the next day to load or unload, request a layover fee.
3. Lumper Fees
What it is: Payment to third-party workers (lumpers) who load or unload freight at a facility.
Why it matters: Some facilities require lumpers and won’t allow drivers to unload themselves.
When to charge: While lumpers are typically paid directly by the broker or shipper, always get a receipt and confirm if you’ll be reimbursed.
4. Tarping
What it is: An extra fee for covering a load with tarps, common in flatbed trucking.
Why it matters: Tarping is physical, time-consuming, and weather-dependent. It also helps protect the load.
When to charge: Anytime you’re required to tarp a load. Rate this fee in advance and include it on the rate confirmation.
5. Truck Ordered Not Used (TONU)
What it is: Compensation when a load is canceled after the truck has been dispatched or has arrived.
Why it matters: You may have turned down other loads and spent time and fuel to get there.
When to charge: If the load is canceled after dispatch or arrival, request a TONU fee, usually $150–$300.
6. Extra Stops
What it is: Additional pay for every stop beyond the first (e.g., multiple deliveries or pickups).
Why it matters: More stops = more time, effort, and paperwork.
When to charge: Each additional stop should be itemized on the rate confirmation. Don’t assume it’s included in the line haul.
7. Driver Assist Accessorial Charges
What it is: Compensation when the driver is required to help load or unload freight.
Why it matters: This goes beyond your driving responsibilities and adds physical labor to your day.
When to charge: Anytime you're required to lift, move, or organize freight by hand—request it ahead of time or confirm it’s added to the load pay.
8. Reconsignment
What it is: A fee for changing the delivery location after the shipment is already en route.
Why it matters: It can lead to delays, added miles, and changes to your route or schedule.
When to charge: As soon as the new address is given, request compensation for the extra time, mileage, and effort.
9. Pallet Jack or Equipment Use
What it is: A fee for using your own pallet jack or equipment during pickup or delivery.
Why it matters: Your tools are your investment. Using them to help shippers or receivers should come with a fee.
When to charge: If the shipper/receiver lacks equipment and requires yours, request a usage fee, especially if it’s not noted upfront.
10. Redelivery
What it is: A charge when a delivery attempt fails and the freight has to be brought back or rescheduled.
Why it matters: Failed deliveries result in lost time, increased fuel consumption, and potential storage issues.
When to charge: If the consignee is closed, refuses the load, or can't accept it at the scheduled time, request a redelivery fee.
Accessorial charges aren’t just “extra” money; they’re how you protect yourself from the hidden costs of doing business. Here’s how to stay ahead:
Document everything: Keep time-stamped records, signed paperwork, and receipts.
Communicate early: Confirm accessorial fees with brokers before you move the load (when possible).
You can read about other accessorial charges HERE.
It's a good idea for you to maintain your own trucking accessorials guide. You can see an example of one HERE. This can help you effectively manage accessorial charges and communicate pricing to your customers. When you know what to expect and what to charge, you’re not just driving a truck. You’re running a business.
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Soshaul Logistics LLC and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. It is meant to serve as a guide and information only and Soshaul Logistics, LLC does not assume responsibility for any omissions, errors, or ambiguity contained herein. Contents may not be relied upon as a substitute for the FMCSA's published regulations. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction or operation.
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