Understanding Freight Accessorials for Efficient Shipping

Know about freight accessorials so you can ship more efficiently!

In the world of logistics and transportation, efficiency is key. Whether you’re a seasoned logistics professional or a small business owner just starting to navigate the complexities of shipping, understanding freight accessorials is crucial for optimizing your supply chain and managing costs effectively.

So, what exactly are freight accessorials?

In simple terms, accessorials are additional services or charges beyond the standard transportation of goods from point A to point B. These services can range from extra handling requirements to specialized equipment needed for delivery. While some accessorials are optional, others are mandatory depending on the nature of the shipment and the carrier’s policies.

Here are some freight accessorials that Sutton Transport provides:

1. Liftgate – This is perhaps one of the most common accessorials, especially for businesses shipping to locations without a loading dock. A liftgate is a hydraulic platform attached to the back of a truck, used to raise or lower freight from ground level to the truck bed. Without a loading dock or for heavy items, a liftgate service becomes essential.

2. Inside Delivery – For deliveries where the consignee requires goods to be brought inside a building or specific room, inside delivery service is necessary. This often involves additional labor and time, hence incurring extra charges.

3. Hazardous Materials – Transportation of goods classified as hazardous materials or hazardous substances. Hazardous materials, often abbreviated as hazmat, encompass a wide range of substances that pose potential risks to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation.

4. Fragile – Delicate or easily damaged goods.

5. Delivery Direct – Delivering freight directly to a specific destination without any intermediate stops or transfers.

6. Notify – This service involves notifying the consignee or another designated party to schedule a delivery appointment, ensuring timely receipt of the shipment.

7. Guaranteed Service – Delivery by a certain date or time.

8. Stackable Freight – Shipments that are suitable for stacking within a shipping container or trailer during transportation. This service allows multiple items or pallets to be stacked on top of each other, maximizing the use of available space and optimizing transportation efficiency.

9. Do Not Double Stack – Ensures that certain shipments are not stacked on top of each other within a shipping container or trailer during transportation.

10. Freeze Protection (Offered from November through March) – Protect shipments from freezing temperatures during transit. This service is particularly important for goods that are susceptible to damage or degradation when exposed to cold temperatures, such as certain types of liquids, chemicals, food products, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.

11. Weekend Delivery – Delivering freight on weekend.

12. Residential Delivery Charge – Delivering shipments to residential addresses. Unlike commercial deliveries, which are typically made to businesses or industrial areas during regular business hours, residential deliveries involve bringing shipments directly to homes or private residences.

13. Excessive Length – Shipments that exceed standard length limits. This accessorial is commonly applied to freight that are longer than the maximum dimensions allowed for standard shipping.

14. Blind Shipment Charge – Identity of the shipper or the consignee is kept confidential from one or both parties involved in the transaction. In a blind shipment, the shipping label, packing slip, or other documentation may conceal the origin or destination of the goods being shipped.

15. Additional Insurance – Purchasing extra insurance coverage to protect their goods against loss or damage during transit.

Understanding these accessorials is essential for several reasons:

• Cost Management: By knowing which accessorials your shipments may incur, you can budget more accurately and negotiate rates with carriers effectively.

• Customer Satisfaction: Incorporating necessary accessorials ensures that your shipments reach their destination safely and on time, meeting customer expectations.

• Risk Mitigation: Addressing potential accessorial needs proactively minimizes the risk of unexpected delays or additional charges, thus enhancing overall supply chain reliability.

While freight accessorials may seem like an added layer of complexity in the shipping process, they play a crucial role in ensuring smooth and efficient transportation of goods. Partnering with a trusted logistics or transportationprovider who understands your unique shipping requirements can simplify the process and help you navigate accessorials seamlessly. By familiarizing yourself with common accessorials and their implications, you can streamline your operations, control costs, and ultimately help us help you deliver exceptional service to your customers.

View our more in-depth ACCESSORIAL LIST here for rates: 

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