Question 1

What are accessorial charges in trucking and freight?

Accepted Answer

Accessorial charges are fees applied by carriers for services beyond standard dock-to-dock pickup and delivery. Common examples include liftgate service (when a loading dock is unavailable), residential delivery surcharges, detention fees (when a driver waits beyond the free time), inside delivery, appointment scheduling fees, fuel surcharges, and cross-border brokerage fees. They can add 20–50% or more to a base freight rate if not anticipated in advance.

Question 2

What accessorials typically apply to a residential delivery?

Accepted Answer

A residential delivery typically triggers a residential delivery surcharge (CAD $75–$175 per shipment for most carriers) and often requires a liftgate ($75–$250) if the consignee does not have a loading dock. If the carrier needs to call ahead and schedule a delivery window, an appointment fee ($35–$100) also applies. In some cases, inside delivery or white-glove service adds further charges if the driver is expected to move freight beyond the threshold.

Question 3

How is the fuel surcharge calculated on a freight shipment?

Accepted Answer

Most Canadian carriers apply a fuel surcharge as a percentage of the base freight rate. The percentage is tied to a weekly or monthly diesel price index — when diesel rises, the surcharge percentage increases. A typical fuel surcharge ranges from 10% to 35% of the base rate depending on current diesel prices and the carrier's tariff. Some carriers publish their FSC table on their website; the OTR Hub Diesel Price Tracker shows current benchmark prices you can use to estimate the applicable tier.

Question 4

What cross-border accessorials apply to a Canada–US shipment?

Accepted Answer

Canada–US cross-border shipments typically incur customs brokerage fees (CAD $75–$250+ depending on entry complexity), ISF (Importer Security Filing) fees for US-bound cargo, bond fees if the importer does not have a continuous bond, and sometimes a border crossing surcharge from the carrier. Hazardous materials, food products, and controlled substances have additional compliance fees. Working with a licensed customs broker or freight broker experienced in cross-border logistics is strongly recommended.

Question 5

Are the cost ranges shown legally binding?

Accepted Answer

No. All cost ranges in the Accessorial Charge Estimator are planning references based on typical Canadian market rates. Actual charges are set by individual carrier tariffs, your negotiated contract, and conditions at time of shipment. Always confirm applicable accessorials and rates with your carrier or OTR Logistics Solutions before booking.

Accessorial Charge Estimator

Shipment Mode

Pickup (Origin) Conditions

Delivery (Destination) Conditions

Service Requirements

Base Freight Rate (optional)

What Are Accessorial Charges?

Why Accessorials Matter for LTL Shippers