Freight Accessorial Charges Explained: What They Are and How to Avoid Them

Detention, layover, TONU, lumper, liftgate, inside delivery — a complete guide to freight accessorial charges and how to minimize them.

By the IZY Logistics team (10+ years in transportation) · April 20, 2026 · 7 min read

Accessorial charges are extra fees added to freight invoices for services beyond standard pickup and delivery. They're one of the most common sources of billing disputes — and most are preventable with proper planning.

Common Accessorial Charges

Charge	What Triggers It	Typical Cost
Detention	Driver waits beyond 2 hours at pickup or delivery	$50–$100/hour
TONU	Load cancelled after truck is dispatched	$150–$300+
Layover	Driver must wait overnight	$150–$300/night
Liftgate	No dock — freight needs liftgate	$75–$150
Inside Delivery	Freight moved beyond the truck tailgate	$100–$250
Lumper Service	Third-party labor to unload freight	$150–$400
Redelivery	Consignee unavailable; second attempt needed	$100–$200

How to Minimize Accessorial Charges

Communicate dock hours clearly — exact open, close, and freight-receiving windows
Have freight ready on time — the biggest cause of detention is freight not staged when the driver arrives
Confirm appointments — always confirm 24 hours in advance
Disclose requirements upfront — liftgate, inside delivery, and lumper needs must be communicated at booking
Read your rate confirmation — know which accessorials are included and what rates apply before the truck rolls

Need to move freight?

IZY Logistics is a licensed freight broker (MC #1615290) serving shippers across the United States. Get an all-in freight rate within 1 hour.

Get a Free Quote →

Freight Accessorial Charges Explained: What They Are and How to Avoid Them

Common Accessorial Charges

How to Minimize Accessorial Charges

Ready to move freight?