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: 

Ready to move your shipment? Get a Quote Today!

Staying Ahead of the Curve: How Compliance Ensures Smooth Deliveries

In the trucking and logistics industry, sticking to the rules isn't just about following the law—it's the backbone of doing our job right. Keeping up with compliance helps everything run smoothly, keeps our crew and the public safe, and makes sure we can be counted on for reliable deliveries.

In this blog, we're tackling the big questions about why following these rules matters so much, how tech helps us keep on track, and the hurdles we face in staying compliant. We've turned to our own Safety Director, Eric Evenson, for the answers. Dive into each question and answer to get a real look at the nuts and bolts of compliance and how companies like Sutton Transport handle these challenges day in and day out, straight from the expert who knows the ropes.

Q1: Why is regulatory compliance critical in the logistics and trucking industry?

Regulatory compliance in the logistics and trucking industry is vital because it ensures the safety and efficiency of operations, protecting both the workforce and the public. Adhering to regulations helps avoid legal repercussions, minimizes environmental impact, and maintains the integrity of the supply chain.

Q2: What are some key regulations impacting daily operations in the trucking industry, and how is compliance ensured?

Key regulations include DOT (Department of Transportation) and FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) guidelines, which cover safety standards for vehicles and drivers. Compliance is ensured through rigorous training, regular vehicle inspections, and adherence to safety protocols. Additionally, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards are followed to maintain workplace safety.

Q3: Besides DOT, what other regulatory bodies influence trucking operations, and how?

Other significant regulatory bodies include the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), and various state-specific regulations concerning building codes and hazmat handling. Compliance with these entities is managed through specific training, equipment checks, and adherence to safety protocols to handle emergencies and hazardous materials correctly.

Q4: Can you provide an example of how compliance has led to a successful delivery or prevented issues?

A clear instance of compliance benefiting operations occurred when adherence to FMCSA and DOT regulations helped avoid delays during a complex delivery cycle. By ensuring all drivers and vehicles met legal standards, deliveries were made on time, and operational efficiencies were maintained, thereby preventing penalties and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Q5: Beyond legal compliance, how does adherence to regulations benefit clients?

Staying compliant not only avoids legal issues but also assures clients of reliable service. Compliance ensures that operations run smoothly without delays, thereby supporting clients' scheduling needs and maintaining trust through dependable service delivery.

Q6: How has technology facilitated compliance in the trucking industry?

Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing compliance; for instance, the LYTX camera system monitors driver behavior, promoting safer driving practices, while the Maven routing and ELD system improves delivery efficiency and adherence to DOT regulations. These tools help streamline operations and ensure regulatory adherence through real-time updates and data management.

Q7: What does compliance training for new employees look like, and how are updates managed?

New employees undergo comprehensive training on all relevant regulations, including DOT and OSHA standards, using a mix of in-person sessions and digital courses. Updates are communicated through regular workshops, webinars, and internal memos to ensure all team members are informed of the latest regulatory changes.

Q8: What are the biggest compliance challenges in logistics, and how does Sutton Transport address them?

Managing a large fleet and diverse workforce presents challenges such as keeping up with license renewals and hazmat regulations. Sutton Transport uses the Tenstreet software to track and manage compliance documents and schedules training sessions to keep all employees up-to-date.

Q9: How does Sutton Transport handle compliance across different states and international borders?

Sutton Transport addresses varying regulations by using advanced tracking and document management systems to stay updated with state and international laws. This proactive approach ensures smooth transitions across borders and compliance with all applicable regulations.

Q10: What upcoming regulatory changes should the logistics industry be aware of, and how is Sutton Transport preparing?

Anticipated regulatory changes focus on environmental standards and safety enhancements. Sutton Transport stays ahead by engaging with trucking associations and participating in industry meetings and webinars, ensuring they remain compliant and lead industry standards in safety and operational excellence.

Q11: How does maintaining a focus on compliance position Sutton Transport for future growth?

A strong compliance record enhances company reputation, making Sutton Transport a reliable partner in the logistics market. This reliability, coupled with ongoing regulatory adherence, positions the company for sustained growth and stability, attracting more clients and fostering business expansion.

Keeping on top of all the regulations in the trucking business is a tough job, but as we've broken down in our Q&A with Eric Evenson, it's crucial for keeping our operations safe and smooth. Sutton Transport's commitment to staying in line with these rules shows just how serious we are about our work. By keeping up with the latest in compliance, Sutton doesn't just meet the mark—they set the standard. This proactive approach doesn't just keep us on the right side of the law; it puts us ahead in the game. As rules keep changing, staying sharp and flexible is key—making sure we're ready for whatever comes down the road.

Understanding LTL Shipping Terms: A Quick Guide

Shipping has its own language, full of terms that might seem confusing at first. But don’t worry, we’re here to simplify it for you with our comprehensive LTL Shipping Terms Guide. Whether you’re shipping a big load or just a few items, understanding these terms is essential for a smooth shipping experience.

From accessorial services that cover extra steps in shipping to electronic Bill of Lading (eBOL), which is just a digital shipping form, our guide breaks down the essentials. Learn about freeze protection for cold-sensitive items and why guaranteed service might be necessary, saving you time and stress along the way.

Accessorial Services

This term refers to any transportation service that extends beyond standard dock-to-dock delivery, often requiring unique equipment or handling, such as liftgates for delivery to non-commercial locations or specialized arrangements for inside pickup and delivery.

Additional Service Fees

Fees applied for services that exceed standard delivery and pickup operations, including but not limited to, inside delivery or storage fees.

Axle Weight

The total weight distributed across each axle of a vehicle on the road.

Bill of Lading (BOL)

A crucial document in shipping that oultines the specifics of the cargo, including origin, desitination, paper information, and contents. It must be provided to the carrier at the time of pickup for LTL shipments.

Blind Shipment Charge

A blind shipment occurs when the identity of the shipper is concealed from the consignee. This practice is typically employed when a customer prefers to keep the source of the product confidential.

Bracing and Blocking

Methods using wood or other materials to secure cargo within a container or on a trailer to prevent movement during transit. This is a common practice among shippers to safeguard their freight, typically provided by Volume and Full Truckload carriers rather than LTL services.

Central Hub

A primary location where shipments from various terminals are consolidated for further distribution.

Cargo Coverage

Insurance that protects the shipper from financial losses if cargo is damaged or lost, covering incidents like accidents, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events.

Load-to-Truck Ratio

The demand ratio of available loads to trucks within a specific area.

Damage Claim

A request for compensation filed against a carrier for loss, damage, or overcharge.

Commercial Bill

A document listing the details of the shipment, including the goods shipped, and the addresses of the buyer and seller, used for customs and insurance purposes.

General Carrier

A carrier that consolidates freight from multiple shippers for delivery, operating under a standard rate and route system.

Consignee (CNEE)

The recipient of the shipped goods.

Consignor (CNOR)

The party who sends out the goods, also known as the shipper or seller.

Container

A standardized box used across different transportation modes, facilitating the movement of goods from one mode to another without direct handling of the cargo itself.

Cross-Docking

A warehousing strategy where incoming cargo is directly transferred from one vehicle to another, bypassing storage, to consolidate shipments.

Cubic Capacity

The volume capacity of a cargo area, measured in cubic feet, which determines how much freight can be transported, especially for lightweight goods.

Declared Value (DV)

The shipper-stated value of a shipment, influencing shipping charges and limiting carrier liability.

Department of Transportation (D.O.T)

The U.S. federal agency responsible for governing transportation regulations.

Dispatch

The organization and management of carrier operations, including scheduling and communication with drivers.

Distribution Center

A storage facility for goods awaiting distribution to retail locations.

Diversion

Changing a shipment’s destination while in transit, incurring additional charges for the extra distance covered.

Door-to-Door Service

Transportation from the sender’s location directly to the recipient’s location.

Dry Van

A standard, enclosed trailer not equipped for temperature-sensitive cargo, typically loaded through the rear doors.

Dunnage

Materials used to protect and secure cargo during transportation.

Electronic Bill of Lading (eBOL)

This refers to the electronic version of the Bill of Lading document, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the documentation process for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipments.

Envoy Logistics

A subsidiary of Sutton Transport, Envoy Logistics offers comprehensive logistics solutions, including freight brokerage, additional insurance services, and custom logistics planning. They specialize in optimizing supply chains for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

Excessive Length

An additional fee for cargo that exceeds standard dimensions, often more cost-effective than full volume rates for elongated items.

Flatbed Trailer

An open trailer suitable for goods that need to be loaded from the sides or top, not requiring a raised dock for loading.

Forklift

A motorized vehicle used to lift and move heavy loads, essential for loading and unloading freight.

Freeze Protection

Freeze Protection: A service ensuring that temperature-sensitive freight is protected from freezing, tailored to the specific freezing point of each product. This service assesses whether the product can still be viable after thawing if it does freeze.

Freight Invoice

The bill issued by the carrier for transportation services rendered.

Freight Classification

A system that categorizes commodities for shipping based on weight, density, and value, affecting the cost of transportation.

Fronthaul

The total weight of a fully loaded truck, including the cargo and the vehicle itself.

Gross Weight

The combined weight of the vehicle and its cargo, including passengers if applicable.

Guaranteed Service

A premium service ensuring delivery of freight before the close of business hours, typically between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Hazardous Materials (Hazmat)

Dangerous goods that require special handling and certified carriers due to their potential risk.

Hours of Service (HOS)

Regulations determining the maximum driving hours for commercial drivers within a 24-hour period.

Hub-and-Spoke System

A logistics model where LTL shipments are routed through central hubs for sorting before delivery, resembling the structure of a bicycle wheel.

Inside Delivery

This service involves the driver transporting the shipment beyond the initial entryway of the delivery location, ensuring it crosses the first interior threshold.

Insurance – Liability

his refers to the coverage carriers offer for freight shipments, where compensation limits are determined by the nature of the goods and their assigned freight class.

Insurance – Limited Liability

This insurance covers losses or damages to freight, holding carriers accountable only for damages directly resulting from their negligence.

Lane

The specific route taken for freight transport from origin to destination.

Layover

A delay requiring a driver to halt operations, potentially overnight, due to scheduling issues for loading or unloading.

Less Than Truckload (LTL)

Shipping cargo that does not fill an entire trailer, allowing for the consolidation of smaller shipments to optimize space and costs.

Letter of Authority

A permit allowing carriers to operate across state lines and engage in interstate commerce.

Liftgate

A hydraulic platform on a truck used to move goods from ground level to the trailer, essential for locations without loading docks.

Line Haul

The transportation of freight between distant cities, supported by a network of hubs, equipment, and personnel.

LTL Tariffs

A detailed rate chart for LTL shipments, based on origin, destination, weight, and freight class.

Lumper Service

A service involving the manual unloading of cargo and its breakdown into smaller units, as per the receiver’s instructions.

Motor Carrier Number (MC Number)

A unique identifier for carriers, allowing them to operate across state lines and enabling regulatory tracking.

Multi-Stop Shipments

Deliveries requiring multiple pickup or drop-off points.

Net Weight

The weight of the cargo excluding the weight of the transport vehicle.

National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)

A standard that classifies goods for transport, facilitating uniform pricing across the industry.

National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA)

An organization specializing in freight classification, packaging standards, and transportation codes.

Pallet

A portable platform for consolidating shipments, facilitating easier handling and movement of goods.

Pallet Jack

A manual tool for lifting and moving pallets within a warehouse or loading area.

Pickup and Delivery (P&D)

The process of collecting and delivering freight, often referred to as the final mile of delivery.

Partial Truckload (PTL)

Shipments that are too large for LTL but do not require a full truckload, typically occupying a partial space in the trailer.

Post-Delivery Adjustments

Expenses incurred after the delivery of a shipment, often due to differences between the quoted and actual shipment details like class, dimensions, weight, or for any supplementary services provided.

Purchase Order (PO)

A document issued by a buyer to authorize a purchase from a supplier.

Proof of Delivery (POD)

A document or electronic record confirming the delivery of a shipment, including details of the recipient and delivery time.

PRO Number

A unique tracking code for shipments, allowing for easy monitoring. “PRO” stands for progressive number, indicating each step of the delivery process. Track your shipment using our Shipping Tools or log into our Portal.

Pup Trailer

A shorter trailer used for deliveries in tight spaces or combined with another trailer for longer hauls.

Receiving Dock

The area where goods are unloaded from a transport vehicle.

Reconsignment

The process of changing the delivery destination or consignee details while the shipment is enroute, subject to additional fees.

Request a Quote

A feature on the Sutton Transport’s website that offers users a quick way to get pricing for a shipment.

Residential Delivery Charge

A fee applied for deliveries to non-commercial locations, typically homes or residential areas.

Sales Representative

A dedicated professional available to assist you with any inquiries regarding your shipment, billing, or services. Sutton Transport sales representatives are empowered to make decisions on behalf of our company or clients, ensuring a smooth and efficient handling of your logistics needs, from customs and documentation to insurance processes. Contact Us Today!

Shared Truckload

A shipping option where multiple shippers share space on a single truckload for efficiency and cost savings.

Sort and Segregate (Sort and Seg)

A service requiring the verification and counting of all items upon receipt, ensuring complete delivery.

Stackable Freight

Refers to goods that can be safely stacked and loaded one on top of another, optimizing space utilization during transport.

Sutton Transport, Inc.

A Midwest-based LTL trucking company known for reliable, timely deliveries. With over 40 years in business, Sutton specializes in LTL and volume shipping, boasting a high on-time and intact delivery rate.

Tailgate Service

A delivery requirement where the driver must move cargo to the rear of the trailer, typically for locations without loading docks or equipment.

Team Driving

A method where two or more drivers alternate driving shifts, allowing for nearly continuous travel, ideal for urgent freight.

Terminal

A facility where freight is sorted and transferred for further transportation.

Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

A service provider managing logistics operations for another company, encompassing a range of services from transportation to warehousing. (See Envoy Logistics).

Transit Time

The duration from the pickup to the delivery of a shipment, excluding non-business days and holidays.

Transit Time Calculator

A tool provided by Sutton Transport for calculating transit time from an origin zip code to a destination zip code.

Truck Driver

A vital role in the transportation industry, truck drivers are skilled professionals tasked with operating commercial trucks to transport goods and materials. They ensure the timely and safe delivery of freight, navigating highways and city streets with expertise. Interested in joining our team as a truck driver? Check out our hiring page: Drive for Sutton Transport, Inc.

Truck Ready

Indicates that a carrier has been assigned and is prepared to collect the shipment.

Volume LTL

Shipments that exceed standard LTL size but do not require a full truckload, offering a middle ground for larger shipments.

Weekend Delivery

A specialized service offered with additional charges, requiring coordination with the terminal manager at least 48 to 72 hours in advance for scheduling.

White Glove Services

Premium delivery services featuring specialized handling and equipment for sensitive or high-value shipments.

Wrapping Up Shipping Terms

Getting to know shipping terms doesn’t have to be complicated…it can save you a lot of headaches! Keep this page bookmarked as your quick reference guide for all things LTL. Got questions or ready to ship? Sutton Transport is here to help. Reach out to us for personalized support and discover how we can streamline your shipping needs.