In logistics, drayage refers to the short-distance transport of goods, typically from a port to a nearby warehouse or distribution center. Beyond the basic drayage fee, additional costs known as accessorial charges can impact your shipping budget. Understanding these charges helps you manage expenses more effectively. Here's an overview of common drayage accessorial charges:
1. Chassis Fee
A chassis fee is charged for using a chassis—the trailer frame that carries shipping containers over land.
Why It's Charged: To cover the cost of renting or maintaining the chassis needed to transport your container.
Tip: Coordinate with your carrier to include chassis fees in your contract or consider using your own chassis if possible.
2. Chassis Split Fee
A chassis split fee occurs when a trucker must retrieve a chassis from a location different from where the container is picked up or delivered.
Why It's Charged: Extra time and mileage are required to pick up the chassis from a separate location, increasing operational costs.
Tip: Plan ahead to ensure chassis availability at the pickup point, or work with carriers who can provide both the chassis and drayage services together.
3. Triaxle Chassis Fee
A triaxle chassis fee is applied when a triaxle chassis—one with three axles—is required to transport heavier containers.
Why It's Charged: Triaxle chassis can handle heavier loads than standard chassis but are more expensive to operate and maintain.
Tip: Use a triaxle chassis only when necessary, and ensure your cargo weight justifies the need to avoid unnecessary costs.
4. Pre-Pull Fee
A pre-pull fee applies when a container is picked up from the port and temporarily stored at the trucker's yard before final delivery.
Why It's Charged: To avoid demurrage fees that accrue when containers stay at the port beyond the free allotted time.
Tip: Align your delivery schedules to ensure the consignee is ready to receive the cargo, minimizing the need for pre-pull.
5. Storage Fee
A storage fee is incurred when a container remains at the trucker's facility beyond the agreed free time.
Why It's Charged: For the use of space and resources required to store your container.
Tip: Plan for immediate pickup or delivery to avoid unnecessary storage costs.
6. Detention Fee
A detention fee is charged when a trucker is delayed at the pickup or delivery location beyond the allotted free time, often due to loading or unloading delays.
Why It's Charged: The trucker's time is valuable, and delays prevent them from completing other scheduled tasks.
Tip: Ensure that your facility is prepared for quick loading or unloading to avoid detention charges.
7. Hazmat Fee
A hazmat fee is charged for transporting hazardous materials that require special handling.
Why It's Charged: To cover the extra precautions, specialized equipment, and compliance with safety regulations.
Tip: Verify if your goods are classified as hazardous and ensure all documentation is accurate to prevent additional fees.
8. Overweight Fee
An overweight fee applies when a container exceeds standard weight limits and requires special permits or equipment, such as a triaxle chassis.
Why It's Charged: Overweight loads demand extra resources and adherence to strict regulations.
Tip: Distribute cargo weight properly or split shipments to stay within legal weight limits, and be prepared to use specialized equipment if necessary.
9. Bonded Fee
A bonded fee is charged when transporting cargo under a customs bond, meaning the goods haven't cleared customs yet and are being moved to a bonded warehouse or facility.
Why It's Charged: Handling bonded cargo requires additional documentation and compliance with customs regulations.
Tip: Ensure all customs paperwork is in order and work with carriers experienced in bonded shipments to streamline the process.
Being aware of these accessorial charges allows you to anticipate additional costs and make informed decisions. Effective communication with your logistics partners and careful planning can help you minimize these fees, ensuring a smoother and more cost-effective supply chain.