Accessorial charges: the extras that change your freight bill.

The common ones

• Detention: the truck waits at pickup or delivery beyond the agreed free time. Avoid it: have freight and paperwork ready at the appointment, and tell your receiver the delivery window.
• Layover: the driver is held overnight or longer because the load can't be picked up or delivered as scheduled. Avoid it: confirm both appointments before booking.
• TONU (truck ordered, not used): the truck was dispatched but the load was cancelled or wasn't ready. Avoid it: cancel as early as possible.
• Lumper: a third-party crew unloads the truck, common at grocery and food warehouses. Avoid surprises: ask the receiver whether a lumper is required and who pays.
• Liftgate: a powered platform lowers freight to the ground where there is no dock. Request it in advance.
• Inside delivery / residential delivery: delivery beyond the dock or to a home. Request it in advance.
• Redelivery: a second delivery attempt after a refused or missed delivery. Avoid it: put the receiver's hours and contact in the order.
• Stop-off: each extra pickup or delivery stop on a multi-stop load.
• Tarp, for flatbeds: covering the load for weather protection. It is often priced by tarp size.
• Driver assist: the driver helps load or unload. Not every carrier allows it.

Get them in writing

Before you book, check that the quote or rate confirmation lists what is included, the free time at each stop, and the rate for each accessorial that might apply. Most billing disputes start with something that wasn't written down.

New to shipping? Start with how to get an accurate freight quote, or print the one-page quote checklist.

Questions

General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed 2026-10-13.

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