Many shippers find themselves facing unexpected costs. Extra charges in LTL shipping are a common issue that can significantly impact your budget. It’s essential to understand these fees so you can plan your shipments more efficiently and avoid costly surprises.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
With over 22 years of experience in the industry, we have designed this guide to help you navigate extra charges in LTL services.
You will find clear explanations of each situation, tips on how to prevent unexpected fees, and steps to take if they occur. Additionally, you will discover useful resources to challenge invalid extra charges in LTL and initiate a dispute process with the carrier.
At GLT Logistics, our goal is to empower you with practical knowledge so you can plan and manage your shipments proactively.
2. What Are Common Extra Charges in LTL Shipping?
2.1 Failed Pick-up Attempt
It happens when the carrier attempts to pick up freight but must leave without it due to issues such as unavailable cargo, incorrect location, or missing documents. In that case, the carrier will charge an extra fee called ‘Truck Order Not Used’ (TONU) for making the trip without picking up the freight.
This amount can vary depending on the carrier.
How to avoid it?
- Ensure the cargo is available in advance for the scheduled pickup date and time to avoid extra charges in LTL.
- The shipper must have the Bill of Lading (BOL) document with the correct billing party, references, and delivery information to provide a copy to the driver.
- If the cargo has special pick up references, such as the Purchase Order Number (PO#), the carrier must be informed in advance. This ensures the driver can mention it at the pick up location to prevent any confusion when he arrives.
- We recommend labeling the cargo to make it easier to identify when the carrier arrives.
What to do if it happens?
- Check with the provider why they did not release the cargo to the carrier. This information will be crucial in case of a dispute.
- Reconfirm whether the cargo is ready and when the pickup can be rescheduled.
What is the first step to dispute?
If the freight was not released due to carrier-related issues, it is necessary to provide proof with a video or photo to demonstrate the reasons. Some of them could be that the carrier:
- Did not provide a pick-up reference.
- Attempted to pick-up at a different time than indicated on the BOL.
- Did not arrive at the indicated location.
- Did not bring the necessary accessories to load the freight onto the truck.
If the shipper released other cargo at the indicated location, the TONU could be disputed. For this matter, it would be necessary to collect the PRO numbers for those shipments, proving to the carrier that a pickup service was performed.
2.2 Bill of Lading (BOL) Correction
Bill of Lading errors are among the most common extra charges in LTL shipping. The BOL includes all critical details, such as shipping information, weight, dimensions, class, commodity, number of pieces, the bill-to-party, the pickup and delivery information, and the quote ID. If a BOL needs to be corrected or updated, a fee will be charged for making the edits.This amount can vary depending on the carrier.
How to avoid it?
- Before printing the BOL and preparing to release the cargo once the carrier arrives at the location, the shipper must ensure all the information is accurate. If any details are incorrect, necessary changes can still be made by requesting a quote update to avoid extra fees before the release.
- To prevent mistakes on the BOL, the provider should give the carrier the same version provided by our company when releasing the cargo.
- Important documents, such as the packing slip or the customer’s invoice, should be inside the freight. Make sure to provide the BOL to the driver for PRO number stamping.
What to do if it happens?
- Check with the provider to see if they released an incorrect BOL as soon as possible. If so, they can share a copy of the document to facilitate the BOL correction.
- If the delivery information is incorrect, it will be necessary to update the BOL and proceed with a reconsignment.
What is the first step to dispute?
If the provider confirms that they have released the correct BOL with accurate information, they should share a signed copy of the document containing the PRO number sticker.
2.3 Reconsignment
It occurs when the shipment is en route and there is a need to change the delivery location. The amount of this additional charge will depend on the cargo’s current location at the time of the decision and the distance to the new location. Some reasons for reconsignment could include:
- From the beginning, the BOL had the wrong address.
- A change in the final destination is requested.
- After attempting delivery, the original consignee reported that the cargo should not be delivered to that location.
How to avoid it?
- Reconfirm the delivery address details in advance to avoid extra charges in LTL.
- Ensure the recipient is expecting the freight at the specified delivery address.
2.4 Detention
Each carrier has a predetermined waiting time limit at the location for loading and unloading, which is provided free of charge. If that period is exceeded, a Detention fee will be necessary. The amount of this charge will depend on the carrier.
How to avoid it?
- If the freight is being delivered to a high-traffic area, schedule a delivery appointment! This will make it easier to avoid this fee, as both the carrier and consignee can coordinate a time slot to receive the cargo, which helps prevent delays due to congestion.
- Provide all the important information related to the pickup or delivery location, so the carrier can be aware of any inconvenience that might arise in advance.
- Please note that when sort-and-segregate services are requested, the likelihood of incurring extra charges in LTL shipping increases.
What to do if it happens?
The carrier will provide detailed information about the time the driver spent loading or unloading the cargo. Please verify this information with the provider or consignee to ensure its accuracy.
What is the first step to dispute?
- Does the carrier’s reported waiting time differ from the time notified by the provider or consignee? Videos or photos demonstrating the arrival and departure time of the truck could help resolve the case.
- If there were other PRO numbers delivered or picked up at the same time as the cargo in question, they could also be used to demonstrate that the delays were not solely due to that particular shipment.
- The POD can be a valuable resource for determining the time and departure of the truck in the dispute resolution process. The consignee can also make annotations on the POD to record the carrier’s arrival and departure times.
Please consider that, in any case, if the carrier had to exceed the free waiting time to pick up or deliver the cargo, there will be a minimum fee charged.
2.5 Reweight and Reclassification
When transporting freight, the rate is typically based on factors like cargo density or commodity type. If the actual shipment differs from the initial quote, the carrier may recalculate the rate after pickup, which could lead to extra charges in LTL that are commonly encountered.
How to avoid it?
Accurate information is crucial! When the quote specifies the exact weight and dimensions of the palletized cargo, there is no risk of incurring additional charges.
What to do if it happens?
In the event of a reweight, the terminal will create a certificate with the actual weight, dimensions, and updated freight rate. It is suggested to check this information with the shipper.
What is the first step to dispute?
We recommend keeping dimension and weight certificates on hand in case you need to dispute this fee. If you need to dispute the weight, dimensions, or class assigned after inspection, you may submit at least two of the following documents:
- Packing list
- Published catalog
- Specs sheet
- Warehouse receipt
- Commercial invoice
- Airway bill (if applicable)
- Weight ticket
Make sure the information in the documents matches the initial quote details.
If the rate change is due to a reclassification of the NMFC used, the packing slip must be provided to initiate the dispute.
2.6 Delivery Attempt or Redelivery
A Delivery Attempt fee may be charged if a driver attempts to deliver cargo but, for any reason, is unable to. This results in redelivery extra charges in LTL. Meaning the carrier must return to the location on a different day. Some reasons this could happen include:
- The cargo is rejected at the delivery location for any reason.
- The driver attempted to deliver the cargo during the time indicated on the BOL, but the consignee’s location was already closed.
How to avoid it?
- Ensure that the consignee is expecting the freight at the specified delivery address in advance.
- Be clear about the available time for receiving the cargo at the location, including lunch hour. If necessary, schedule an appointment to prevent issues.
- The more delivery references are provided, the easier the release of the cargo will be.
What to do if it happens?
The consignee will be your primary source of information. Ask them for the reasons behind the cargo rejection and for some proof of them.
What is the first step to dispute?
Our resolutions team will review both the carrier’s and the consignee’s explanations for the cargo rejection. If the freight wasn’t received due to carrier related issues, it would be necessary to provide proof, such as a video or photo, to demonstrate the reasons. Some of them could be that the carrier:
- Did not provide a delivery reference.
- Attempted to deliver at a different time than indicated on the BOL.
- Never arrived at the location.
2.7 Delivery Appointment
An appointment is needed when the delivery location requires it to receive the cargo. If the carrier is not notified about this requirement and attempts delivery at the specified location, an additional redelivery charge will also be necessary.
How to avoid it?
- Check with the consignee if it is necessary to set a delivery appointment in advance, so it will be considered in the quote.
- If the delivery location has limited access, is residential, or is a location where delivery can only be made during certain hours, it is recommended to include the accessory ‘Delivery Appointment’ in the quote.
- If an unsolicited delivery schedule notification is received, it is crucial to review the reasons for the scheduling with the consignee to verify if it’s truly necessary. If not, it should be discussed with the carrier immediately to cancel it and avoid extra charges in LTL.
What to do if it happens?
If the delivery appointment is reported after the cargo has been delivered, verify with the consignee whether the appointment was required. Note that for some carriers, scheduling appointments is mandatory for deliveries to residential or limited-access locations.
What is the first step to dispute?
Has the shipment already been delivered without a delivery appointment being requested? Confirmation from the destination warehouse will be required, confirming that they were not contacted and that no delivery appointment was required.
2.8 Limited Access Pick-up or Delivery
LTL carriers apply this fee when a delivery or pick-up is at a location that a typical 53’ truck cannot access due to narrow roads or restricted delivery space. It also applies to places with security gates or controlled entry. Locations like hospitals, universities, military bases, schools, construction sites, farms, churches, prisons, national parks, and self-storage facilities often incur extra charges in LTL freight.
How to avoid it?
It is important to answer these questions in advance:
- Does the location have easy access?
- Is the route to the location suitable for a standard 53-foot trailer, or is a smaller one required?
- Does the location have security doors or gates that the driver needs to pass through?
If the location has limited access, please include the accessory in the quote from the beginning.
If the location is residential or at an airport, please specify it as a unique accessory in the quote since the rate is different for these places.
What to do if it happens?
If you have doubts about the reasons for extra charges in LTL shipping due to Limited Access, you can:
- Ask our team for the reasons.
- Check with the provider or consignee to identify conditions that could influence the extra charge.
- Use Google Maps to review the location and determine potential influencing factors.
What is the first step to dispute?
If it was not a limited access location, gather all possible evidence to demonstrate this. It is recommended to take pictures of the location so our resolutions team can review the details with the carrier to remove the additional cost.
2.9 Storage
When the initial conditions or instructions related to the shipping change, the carrier may need to store the freight at their facility and will charge a daily fee for this service. This fee may apply for various reasons, including a missed appointment due to the consignee’s lack of response or a delivery attempt where the carrier is waiting for instructions.
How to avoid it?
Acting quickly is key to avoiding this extra charge! If storage is required because a delivery appointment is scheduled for a distant date, it is recommended to contact the consignee directly to explore the possibility of finding an earlier slot for delivery.
It is also important to respond to any carrier requirements as soon as possible to prevent the need for storage.
What to do if it happens?
When storage extra charges in LTL are reported, it is important to verify that the reports match:
- The start and end dates of storage.
- The number of storage days.
- The daily storage rate.
What is the first step to dispute?
If the information does not match the actual storage days and the corresponding rate for this service, it’s important to report it to us as soon as possible via email. If valid discrepancies are confirmed, we will initiate a process with the carrier to request a correction of the storage charges.
2.10 Liftgate Pick-up or Delivery
If the pick-up or delivery location does not have a dock or forklift, the carrier will need to use their liftgate to load or unload the shipment. The cost of this service often depends on the shipment’s weight and the carrier’s tariff rules.
How to avoid it?
Confirm in advance if the location has forklifts or docks. If they do not, let us know so we can find a truck with a liftgate included.
What to do if it happens?
When a liftgate is used for loading or unloading, ensure it is noted on the BOL or POD to avoid Liftgate Pick-up or Delivery extra charges in LTL.
What is the first step to dispute?
- Check with the provider or consignee to see if it is necessary to use this accessory. If not, provide evidence that the location has its own loading tools, such as a forklift or a loading dock.
- Photos or videos showing tools such as a high dock or forklift taken at the time of pick-up or delivery would also be helpful for the dispute, as they can demonstrate that the liftgate accessory was not needed.
2.11 Inside Pick-up or Delivery
This type of extra charges in LTL applies when the cargo is picked up or delivered inside the warehouse or past the main entrance of the location. Some carriers also apply it to residential deliveries.
How to avoid it?
- Check with the provider or consignee in advance if the driver must enter beyond the main door of the warehouse or house. If that is the case, this service should be included in the quote.
- It is suggested to place the cargo where the carrier can easily pick it up without going beyond the main door.
What to do if it happens?
It is important to check with the provider or consignee if what was provided aligns with the Inside service request.
What is the first step to dispute?
To prove that the driver did not have to enter the location to pick-up or deliver the cargo, it is necessary to present videos or photos taken during the service.
3. How a 3PL Can Help You Avoid Extra Charges in LTL
Extra charges in LTL shipping can feel like roadblocks, however, with the right support, they don’t have to slow you down. The key? Staying informed, double-checking shipment details, and proactively coordinating with all parties involved. That’s how you stay ahead, and that’s where we come in.
At GLT Logistics, when we say peace of mind, we mean it. Our Concierge-Style Logistics Service isn’t just about moving freight. It’s about having a team that’s always one step ahead. From preventing extra charges in LTL to standing by your side in dispute resolutions, our dedicated LTL Support Team makes sure your logistics run seamlessly so you can focus on what matters: growing your business.
Don’t let extra charges in LTL disrupt your operations. If you have questions or need expert support to optimize your LTL shipments, we’re ready to help.
Reach out to us at ltl@goglt.com, and let’s move your business forward together.
