Accessorial Charges (also called “Assessorial Charges”) are charges for performing services beyond the normal pickup and delivery. Listed below are examples and explanations of accessorial services.
 
¨      Notification prior to delivery or often referred to as ‘call notification’ is when the carrier is asked to give notice of arrival prior to the delivery of the shipment to the consignee.  This must be requested on the original bill of lading by the shipper.  If this service is needed, the vendor must be made aware of this. The charge for this service is normally $15 - $30.  You can avoid this charge by tracking the shipment and contacting the delivering terminal directly.
¨      Appointment notification differs from call notification because the carrier contacts the consignee and an appointment delivery time is actually set for delivery.  Charge for this service is generally in the $30 range.  Again, as with call notification, you can contact the carrier directly and schedule the delivery time.
¨      Sort and segregating occurs when the carrier is required to palletize the shipment.  Costs for this normally begin at $50.
¨      Delivery service after business hours is when the carrier is asked to deliver the shipment after normal business hours – 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. These hours often vary by carrier as does the costs which could be quite expensive - $200 minimum charge. 
¨      Inside pickup and / or inside delivery is when the carrier is required to pickup or deliver your product beyond the front door of your facility or dock.  These charges also vary by carrier and can be expensive since the cost is based upon shipment weight with a minimum charge that usually begins at $50.
If you have any questions on shipping or receiving your product, contact Barb Smith at 865-922-7491 or barbsmith@tds.net.